Overview
The food and drink manufacturing industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, generating an annual turnover of £104 billion. It employs around 456,000 people, making up 13% of the total UK manufacturing workforce. The industry is constantly evolving, with 10,000 new products introduced each year thanks to extensive investment in research and development.
With the total consumer expenditure on food, drink, and catering reaching £196 billion, the demand for quality, convenience, sustainability, and ethical production continues to shape the market. The functional food industry, valued at £2.54 billion, is expanding, driven by consumer interest in health, nutrition, and ethical sourcing.
Graduates entering the food industry can pursue diverse roles across production, supply chain, food science, marketing, sales, and retail. Major employers include Nestlé, Unilever, Coca-Cola, Premier Foods, and Arla.
Average Food Graduate Salary
Food Industry Graduate Career Path
There are multiple career paths in the food industry, depending on your skills and interests:
- Food Science & Product Development – Researching new recipes, improving food quality, and ensuring safety standards.
- Supply Chain & Logistics – Managing raw material procurement, product distribution, and warehouse operations.
- Retail & Sales – Working in supermarkets, specialty stores, and fast-moving food retail brands.
- Manufacturing & Engineering – Overseeing production lines, packaging innovation, and factory automation.
- Marketing & Brand Management – Developing advertising campaigns, conducting market research, and launching new products.
- Sustainability & Food Safety – Ensuring compliance with ethical, environmental, and food hygiene regulations.
- Hospitality & Catering – Managing operations in restaurants, hotels, event venues, and contract catering services.
Most graduates start in structured graduate schemes within food manufacturers, retail chains, and hospitality businesses. Opportunities exist in both large multinational companies and small to medium enterprises (SMEs), which make up over 96% of the UK food and drink sector. Entrepreneurship is also a viable option, with many food professionals setting up their own businesses or specialist food brands.
Graduates can progress to management roles within 5–7 years, with opportunities to work in international markets and research-driven roles.
What to Expect as a New Graduate
- Fast-Paced & Consumer-Driven Environment – Rapid product innovation and evolving customer trends.
- Strong Career Progression – Many companies offer structured leadership development programmes.
- Hands-On Industry Experience – Involvement in product launches, market research, and supply chain operations.
- Weekend & Shift Work in Some Roles – Retail, manufacturing, and hospitality jobs may require flexible hours.
Qualifications and Skills Needed
What proportion of candidates as a percent we place into Food industry careers and the typical qualities graduate employers look for.
GRB Placements for Food by Degree
Typical Candidate Attributes
The food industry welcomes graduates from a variety of backgrounds, but the following degrees are particularly relevant:
- Food Science, Nutrition & Chemistry – Ideal for roles in product development, food safety, and research.
- Business, Marketing & Management – Suitable for sales, retail, marketing, and supply chain management.
- Engineering & Manufacturing – Key for production, automation, and process engineering roles.
- Agriculture & Environmental Science – Useful for careers in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supply chain management.
Most graduate schemes require a 2:1 degree, but some employers accept a 2:2 with relevant work experience.
Essential Skills for a Food Industry Career
- Commercial Awareness – Understanding consumer preferences, pricing strategies, and market trends.
- Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking – Evaluating supply chain efficiencies, product quality, and customer feedback.
- Strong Communication & Negotiation – Essential for sales, retail, and supplier relationships.
- Adaptability & Multitasking – The industry is fast-paced, requiring quick decision-making.
- Teamwork & Leadership Potential – Many companies promote from within, rewarding strong leadership skills.
Application & Recruitment Process
The hiring process for food industry roles typically includes:
- Online Application & CV Screening – Highlighting academic achievements, work experience, and industry knowledge.
- Numerical & Situational Judgment Tests – Assessing problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
- Competency-Based Interviews – Evaluating teamwork, leadership potential, and customer awareness.
- Assessment Centres & Case Studies – Testing supply chain planning, market strategy, and innovation skills.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Gain Industry Experience – Internships or part-time roles in retail, hospitality, or food production.
- Showcase Digital & Analytical Skills – Knowledge of supply chain software, consumer insights, and e-commerce trends.
- Develop a Strong Personal Brand – Online presence through LinkedIn, food blogs, or project case studies.
- Highlight Customer-Focused Experience – Experience in retail, hospitality, or market research is highly valued.
Sources for Further Information
Food Standards Agency www.food.gov.uk
Food and Drink Federation www.fdf.org.uk
Scottish Food and Drink Federation www.fdfscotland.org.uk