FIGURES have revealed how the UK food sector has nearly doubled in value in 20 years.
The food sector continues to grow more than the overall economy as in 2017 more than 28,000 new food businesses opened.
Today the sector contributes £110.5bn to the UK economy with small food businesses boasting a turnover of £25bn.
These findings emerge as Le Cordon Bleu London announces the launch of their highly anticipated annual, Julia Child Scholarship which this year aims to provide aspiring food entrepreneurs with the first steps to business success.
The prize, worth over £40,000 includes a place on Le Cordon Bleu’s Diplôme de Pâtisserie, recognised globally as one of the most respected culinary qualifications in pastry and baking; a three month Le Cordon Bleu Diploma in Culinary Management; an internship at the iconic Savoy Hotel; and 12 months luxury accommodation provided by Londonist. The prize will be presented to the winner by esteemed Le Cordon Bleu Alumna, Mary Berry.
With the UK food and drink sector boasting a turnover of around £25 billion, it remains a buoyant industry and one which continues to attract budding entrepreneurs. In fact, the Food Sector has increased by 89% between 2000 and 2017, compared to the whole economy which increased by 86%.
Culinary Arts Director at Le Cordon Bleu Chef Emil Minev said: “As an institute with a rich heritage spanning over 120 years, Le Cordon Bleu has a long-standing reputation of training the finest chefs and most innovative Food Entrepreneurs in the world. This year’s Scholarship will showcase this and offers a unique platform for those with exciting food business ideas.”
National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Mike Cherry added:
“FSB is excited to be partnering with Le Cordon Bleu for the 2019 Julia Child Scholarship. It’s fantastic that the scholarship this year is looking to reward someone with a fresh and innovative food or drink business idea. Despite the pressures facing many small businesses, particularly those on the high street, there’s a world of opportunity to succeed as a food and drink entrepreneur. I’m delighted that we will be giving honorary FSB membership to the Scholarship winner. This will set them on their thrilling enterprise journey and help them to thrive.”
As part of the 2019 scholarship, Le Cordon Bleu has teamed up with some of its most successful alumni to provide additional mentorship to the winner, including Luiz Hara; Georgia Green; Dhruv Mittal and Evelina Ogorzalek. The winner will also receive an exclusive prize from Churchill, the leading manufacturer of innovative tableware, as well as a 12-month membership with The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and tickets to The Business Show. The second and third-place runners-up will receive high-performance ZWILLING Diplôme knives.
For more information, please visit Le Cordon Bleu Scholarship website
