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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 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.
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.
Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (external link) is the UK's leading independent and dedicated provider of environmental and conservation advice to farmers. It is an independent Registered Charity that assists the people who manage the countryside with environmental management expertise, so food produced in the UK, our countryside and the native wildlife as we know it can be improved and protected for our future generations to enjoy.
Business Link for Farmers (external link) is an online service for farmers and growers to help them understand farming regulations and meet the challenges of running a farming business. It includes sections on running your farm business, funding schemes and grants, protecting farm environments, livestock, crops, horticulture and plant health and organic farming.
Linking Environment and Farming (external link) is committed to a viable agriculture which is environmentally and socially acceptable and ensure the continuity of supply of wholesome, affordable food while conserving and enhancing the fabric and wildlife of the countryside for future generations. LEAF encourages farmers to adopt Integrated Farm Management (IFM) and to promote the benefits of IFM to cosumers and raise awareness of the way many farmers are responding to current concerns. Its vision for the future is of a sustainable system of agriculture which meets the economic needs of farmers, addresses the concerns of consumers and minimises any impact on the environment. IFM provides a commonsense and realistic way forward for farmers and produces food that is wholesome and affordable.
Food & Drink iNet (external link) The Food and Drink iNet coordinates innovation support for businesses, universities and individuals working in the food and drink sector in the East Midlands and is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). One of four East Midlands based, sector specific iNets, it has developed an effective network to link academic and private sector expertise and knowledge with local food and drink business innovation needs. Businesses may be eligible for subsidised support through the iNet, to help develop their innovative ideas. Recipients must contribute 50% of the equivalent cash value of the support. More information from www.eminnovation.org.uk/food
Contact details
South Derbyshire District Council
Economic Regeneration Service
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Telephone: 01283 595755
Fax: 01283 595760
Online: contact form
E-mail: economic.regeneration@south-derbys.gov.uk
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