Research and development support for food and drink
Businesses can benefit from research and development programmes and initiatives in the food and drink sector.
Research infrastructure in the UK
The UK’s research infrastructure is sophisticated and well-developed. Many businesses have their own sophisticated UK research and development (R&D) operations.
The UK market is fully developed. It has a population with a great interest in food and drink and a large research base dedicated to the sector.
Catapult network
The Catapult Network has 9 innovation centres across 40 locations in the UK. In each centre, businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work together on late-stage research and development.
Catapults related to food and drink are:
- Centre for Process Innovation - an independent technology innovation centre.
- The Manufacturing Technology Centre - specialises in digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, robotics and intelligent automation
Research centres
- Campden BRI - a private research institute providing practical scientific, technical and advisory services to ensure safety and quality of products.
- Food and Environment Research Agency - centre of excellence for interdisciplinary investigation and plant and bee health, crop protection, sustainable agriculture, food and feed quality and chemical safety.
- Quadram Institute - researches into links between food and gut microbiota, the prevention of disease, with an emphasis on diet and age-related diseases.
- Colworth Science Park - a site for commercial research and development throughout the supply chain, including foundation research, prototyping and market development.
- Leatherhead Food Research - a private research centre providing scientific and regulatory affairs advice to the food and drink industry through a membership-based consultancy.
Centres of academic excellence
The UK produces a stream of graduates from universities with globally respected food and drink related courses.
The websites of some of the major UK centres of research excellence are listed below.
- National Centre for Food Manufacturing at the University of Lincoln
- National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University
- Food Systems Institute at Nottingham University
- Global Food Environment Institute at the University of Leeds
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Reading
Research resources
Konfer is an online tool which uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.
UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Support and funding opportunities
Research support and funding opportunities are available on the Innovate UK Business Connect website.
Most funding schemes require your business to be registered in the UK and have a UK bank account.
Next steps
Find out more about help for research and development in our guide to incentives, funding and support in the UK.
Get advice on setting up your research-focused food and drink business from UK experts – find their contact details on the Investment Support Directory.