Food and Drink
Somerset is at the forefront of new development in the food industry and boasts some of the UK’s most successful food and drink brands including Yeo Valley, Thatchers, Gerber Juice Company, West Country Farmhouse Cheesemakers, Sheppy’s and Sharpham Park.
It is a buoyant £508million sector, with a dynamic and dedicated network of over 8,500 farmers and food producers – the highest number of food producers in any UK county. Somerset’s established reputation for high quality produce is an advantage for food and drink companies moving to the county, helping them to market their products more successfully.
This is a supportive and collaborative industry, where food and drink businesses can prosper thanks to a thriving local food culture. Somerset residents are keen to buy locally-produced food and drink, and people outside the South West see it as a strong sign of quality and authenticity, making the Somerset location an excellent sales tool for businesses in this sector.
High quality ingredients are on the doorstep, there is a vast amount of agricultural land available at a good price, and the strong, natural link with tourism gives a great boost to the market for Somerset produce.
The sector as a whole supports around 15,000 jobs and ongoing investment in training and development ensures a wealth of industry knowledge and a first-rate skill base.
An active business support network is in place thanks to groups such as Levels' Best and Taste of the West, and there is a packed calendar of consumer and trade food events, farmers' markets, county shows, livestock markets and much more.
Somerset is extremely well-connected thanks to excellent road and rail links, as well as having a choice of international airports on the doorstep and easy access to one of the largest ports in Europe, the Royal Portbury and Avonmouth Docks.
The county also provides good schools, affordable housing, clean air, low pollution and easy access to both coast and country.
Into Somerset offers valuable assistance to companies considering moving all or part of their business to Somerset. Into Somerset has strong links with government agencies and decision-making organisations at local, county and regional levels. In addition, bespoke services are available to assist companies in relocating, including assistance in finding suitable commercial properties.
For more information about how Into Somerset can help your business maximise the many opportunities that the Somerset food and drink industry offers, please call us on 0845 1222 066 or email enquiries@intosomerset.co.uk.
