Parliamentarians Go Behind the Scenes of Food and Drink Manufacturing
Today, a group of MPs and Peers had the chance to see where some of the UK’s most popular and familiar confectionery brands were made, including MARS, SNICKERS, GALAXY and MALTESERS, on a visit to Mars Chocolate UK in Slough.
Embracing the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) ‘See Inside Manufacturing’ (SIM) initiative, the All-Party Parliamentary Food and Drink Manufacturing Group and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) organised the visit to give parliamentarians greater insight into the food and drink industry – the UK’s largest manufacturing sector. The group visit follows last year’s highly successful trip to Coca-Cola Enterprises in Edmonton.
FDF is currently working with our members to support the SIM initiative. Mars is one of eleven food and drink manufacturers engaging in various activities for SIM throughout June. The initiative aims to help dismiss the poor image of manufacturing and inspire young people to consider careers in sectors such as food and drink.
The group was led by Dale Creaser, UK Chocolate Supply Chain Director, who gave a brief presentation about Mars Chocolate UK and the manufacturing process. He then led parliamentarians on a tour of the Slough factory. The parliamentarians were shown around the 80 year old site which is home to Mars’ main European chocolate R&D hub, manufacturing some of the UK’s favourite chocolate products. Mars has recently invested £5.2m in a new state of the art R&D facility at the site, which will open later this year to create the biggest research and development team for Mars in Europe.
APPG Chair, John Stevenson MP said:
“I’m proud to showcase the food and drink industry to parliamentarians as part of See Inside Manufacturing to promote the image of this complex and innovative industry. The food and drink industry continues to deliver for UK economic growth, as the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, and parliamentarians must continue to play our part to support this growth.”
Dale Creaser, UK Chocolate Supply Chain Director said:
“We are delighted to welcome the All Party Parliamentary Group to Slough, the home of the MARS bar, to show them around our factory where we have been manufacturing for 80 years. We hope today’s visitors will spread the word that food and drink companies like ours offer progressive, exciting and varied jobs that continue to champion and nurture Britain’s skills.”
