Somerset is at the forefront of new development in the food industry, thanks to its dedicated network of 8,500 farmers and food producers – the most in the UK.
Food & Drink
If you want a real taste of Somerset business success – sample our food & drink sector.
Think of Somerset and you are likely to conjure up images of our delicious dairy products, tangy cheeses and chutneys and fresh fruit – all washed down with refreshing cider.
Somerset is at the forefront of new development in the food industry, as it already boasts a dedicated network of 8,500 farmers and food producers – the most in the UK. The sector as a whole supports around 15,000 jobs.
Among the best-known Somerset food and drink companies are dairy producer Yeo Valley Organics, Gaymer, Sheppey and Thatchers cider companies; specialist brewers Cotleigh and Butcombe; milk processor Robert Wiseman; Bridgwater-based Gerber Juice Company, Britain’s top juice manufacturer; Romford Wholesale Meats; award-winning Wyke Farms Cheddar and famous traditional cheddar from Keens, Montgomery and Westcombe.
It’s a buoyant £508million sector, supported by an established supply chain and transport network, through the M5 and A303/M3 corridors and regional international airports.
Somerset food and drink producers also believe that quality and sustainability is vitally important and are constantly looking for eco-friendly solutions and ways of minimising food miles.
To support and market local produce, the county hosts 23 farmers’ markets and offers dedicated support groups, including Somerset Food Links, Levels Best and Source.
Somerset offers a range of unique food and drink, which is celebrated at events such as Wellington Food Town, Mendip Food Festival and the region’s largest country show The Royal Bath & West Show. Traditional livestock markets, including the new £6million Sedgemoor Auction Centre, the largest in the South West, continue to make a significant contribution to the economy as well as adding cultural colour to rural life.
Training and development in the food and drink sector is available through Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre for Land-based Studies as well as links to regions higher education establishments.
