Food & Drink Manufacturing in Leicester & Leicestershire

Leicester & Leicestershire is one of the UK’s most diverse and dynamic food and drink manufacturing locations.

Combining world-renowned brands, specialist production expertise and a rich food heritage, the region is home to more than 3,800 food and drink businesses, offering manufacturers access to skilled talent, established supply chains and facilities that support innovation and growth.

Fast Facts

£42,000 productivity per employee

14,170 food manufacturing jobs

Home to world’s largest crisp factory

3,800+ food and drink businesses

16.8% sector growth since 2020

£744m annual sector GVA

Why Leicester & Leicestershire?

Food and drink manufacturing is one of Leicester & Leicestershire’s most established and fastest-growing sectors

From globally recognised brands to innovative start-ups, businesses benefit from a diverse and collaborative ecosystem supported by strong supply chains, specialist facilities and deep industry expertise.

Melton Mowbray, often referred to as the Rural Capital of Food, is internationally recognised for products including Stilton and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

Leicester’s diverse communities have helped create one of the UK’s most varied food manufacturing clusters, and businesses also benefit from dedicated sector assets including Leicester Food Park, the Melton Food Enterprise Zone and research, innovation and product development expertise from leading manufacturers already operating in the region.

Samworth Brothers is one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers and one of Leicester & Leicestershire’s largest employers and investors in the region’s Food & Drink industry.

Key Developments

Strategic Partners

This sector is supported by a number of key strategic partners, including:

  • Walkers Crisps

    Home to the world’s largest crisp factory, producing around 10 million packets every day and serving as a major global research and development hub for PepsiCo.

  • Geary’s Bakeries

    An award-winning family business behind the successful Jason’s Sourdough brand, supplying major retailers across the UK.

  • Samworth Brothers

    One of the UK’s largest chilled food manufacturers, producing a wide range of bakery, savoury and convenience food products.

  • Mars Petcare

    Operating globally recognised brands including Whiskas and Pedigree while supporting research, innovation and manufacturing in the region.

“Leicester offers an unmatched, all-in-one ecosystem: the perfect location, world-class facilities, an established network, and robust business support.”

Food Park Leicester – Andrew Collinson

Looking to grow your food and drink manufacturing business?

With over 50 years of combined experience, the Invest in Leicester team helps businesses identify opportunities, connect with industry partners and access the facilities, talent and support they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking for manufacturing space, supply chain connections, funding opportunities or support to expand production, our team can provide tailored guidance, introductions and local expertise to help you move forward with confidence.

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