0809-3 Food and Drink Research Project page

Rural Regeneration - Supporting the Economy of Somerset

SOMERSET FOOD AND DRINK RESEARCH

PROJECT SUMMARY

The project will research the current position of the Food & Drink Sector in Somerset, analyse the effectiveness of previous interventions and investigate barriers to growth. The outcomes of the research will lead to a deliveryplan to provide actions to develop the sector in the short, medium and long term

Local Food Products
ABOUT THE PROJECT

The food & drink industry is felt to be synonymous with Somerset, the home of Cheddar cheese and Somerset cider. It is a key component of the County’s ‘brand’ and is the major economic driver for agriculture in the County. The sector is one of several key business sectors in Somerset – which were identified as a target for growth in the Somerset Economic Strategy but recent statistics show that parts of the sector are currently in decline

The multiplicity of food & drink projects and initiatives that have been carried out in the County over the recent years demonstrates a requirement for interventions, but this has tended to be project / geographically led rather than driven by a strategic overview. There has not been a comprehensive review undertaken of the sector for a very long time, if ever!

The aims of the food and drink research are:

» To have a clearer understanding of the spread and nature of the Food & Drink Sector in Somerset.

       »   To have a clearer understanding of the different types of businesses engaged in the sector and the scale of these.

       »   To identify issues that affect economic performance in the sector and in turn assess the requirements / needs of
                 businesses to enable growth

       »   To evaluate the success of previous and on-going public sector interventions in this sector, and the impact that this

                may have had on diversity.

       »   To identify any gaps in support To identify the key organisations and agencies that engage with the Sector and have a
                better understanding of how these work together strategically.

       »   To have an understanding of the support that would be required for the sector with an action plan for implementation of
                support, to include the skills sector.
Cotleigh brewery

The research will be managed by the newly formed Food & Drink Steering Group through the Economic Delivery Team at Somerset County Council.

Following the production of the research report an action plan will be produced to deliver recommendations from the report, to be driven forward by the Steering Group, with the ultimate outcome of increased productivity of small and medium Food & Drink related businesses in Somerset.