Food and drink

Hull’s strong maritime history has firmly established food and drink as the largest sector in Hull. 

The Hull and Humber sub-region is recognised as a national food centre and continues to attract a diverse range of businesses, providing employment for around 45,000 people.

Despite the decline of the fishing industry, fish processing is still prominent in Hull and we have more cold storage facilities than anywhere else in the country. This accounts for approximately 70 per cent of the UK’s fish processing economy. The processing sector is supported by the only British Retail Consortium accredited fish market in the UK.

Major food related employers include Cranswick plc, Greencore cakes and desserts, Aunt Bessies, Chaucer Foods, AAK, Mauri and Jacksons. The support and supply chains are well established with leading companies in advanced engineering, print and packaging, logistics and electronic tagging/barcoding.

If you are looking to startup or grow your food business in Hull, we have a variety of modern food grade units available on Malmo Food Park at Sutton Fields Industrial Estate. Available on flexible terms, there are units of various sizes, complete with a test kitchen facility.

We are also home to the University of Hull, which has significant expertise in food product research and development. The HONEI (Humber Obesity, Nutrition, Education and Innovation) project is currently being developed. A key focus of the project is to help the local food industry develop healthy new products.

Visit the University of Hull website for more information about the HONEI project (link opens in a new window)