Food and drink makes up 12% of the East Midland's total regional Gross Value Added (GVA) with 263,000 people employed in the sector. There are some 300 agricultural-related businesses in South Derbyshire, the majority of which are small family businesses.

Current changes in agriculture are likely to fuel further diversification, aided locally by the woodland and visitor economy potential associated with The National Forest. Cranberry Foods, with a major plant at Scropton is the UK’s second largest turkey producer with some 900 employees and 70 growing farms nationally. Expansion of the Nestlé factory at Hatton is underway to produce capsules for the 'Dolce Gusto' home coffee machine.

The food and drink sector also includes suppliers of equipment and materials to the brewing industry in Burton upon Trent. South Derbyshire’s two main supermarkets, including the recently opened Morrisons store in Swadlincote town centre, are amongst its largest employers.

Useful Links:

National Forest Food Guide (external link) aims to promote the use of food grown or produced in The National Forest and adjacent areas through a quarterly e-bulletin of local suppliers, freely distributed to organisations and interested individuals. This includes details of Farmers' Markets and events, together with producers, stockists, tea rooms, cafes, pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, guest houses or hotels who serve food made from local ingredients.

East Midlands Fine Foods (external link) is a regional organisation established with the main aim of helping speciality food and drink businesses with marketing products and increasing business competitiveness. It was set up in 2003 following extensive research amongst producers in the region, which identified the need for support to help businesses grow and raise the profile of their products. East Midlands Fine Foods has developed a package of services focused on marketing and business development tailored to the needs of a variety of food and drink producers each with different sized concerns and different aspirations. The group also offers membership to good food retailers, wholesalers and caterers - any outlets selling or serving high quality regional food and drink.

Food and Drink Forum (external link) is the East Midlands organisation that champions the food and drink sector in the region. As a membership led organisation which stimulates and supports the sustainable development of the industry in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, the Forum helps to promote and support a vibrant and varied food and drink sector. Members range from small cottage industries to large-scale manufacturers and from newly-launched start-up firms to well-established, traditional businesses. The Forum has a range of projects running aimed at the support and development food and drink businesses across the East Midlands.

East Midlands Rural Business Desk ('Ruralbiz') (external link) provides a single gateway through which rural and agricultural businesses can access information about business support, grant aid, training and legislation. Ruralbiz is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and maintained by the East Midlands Rural Business Support Team. It provides access to a range of assistance for businesses in rural areas in the East Midlands region. Although there is a wide range of assistance and support in the form of grant aid and business support through various local, regional and national agencies accessing this can be a daunting prospect. It aims to provide a simple gateway, together with practical advice on everything from seed-borne disease to starting a farmhouse Bed&Breakfast.

Women in Rural Enterprise (WiRE) (external link) is an organisation for rural women in business, offering a dynamic member package of practical and specific business services and support for women in rural enterprise including: WiRE Local Network Groups (70 across the UK) offering rural women in business the chance to network and do business with like-minded women, a quarterly glossy magazine, monthly e-newsletter and countless marketing opportunities. WiRE is unique in its approach to business help, invaluable to all rural women in business at any stage, from the established or growing business, to new or potential businesses. 

Advice & Training East Midlands (ATEMS) (external link) is a gateway that provides rural businesses in the East Midlands with access to specialist advice and training on any aspect of operating in a land-based business environment. Here, you can get specialist advice, find training courses to increase your staff's skills, identify companies that will help you develop your business, or even get advice on diversifying and targeting new markets.



Contact Details

South Derbyshire District Council
Economic Regeneration Service
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

tel: 01283 595755
fax: 01283 595760
minicom: 01283 228149
e-mail: economic.regeneration@south-derbys.gov.uk

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