Membership brings manufacturers together to share knowledge, address common challenges and help shape the standards and issues that affect the sector. It also gives your business access to technical guidance, specialist advice, industry information and opportunities to connect with others across the food to go market.
Full Manufacturing Membership
Full Manufacturing Membership provides independent recognition of the standards your business operates to.
To qualify, manufacturing sites must hold BRCGS Grade A or above, or successfully pass an Association audit. The annual membership fee is calculated according to the number of factories operated by the business.
Full members can use the Association membership logo and receive a membership certificate. They are also included in recommended manufacturer listings and receive the additional recognition and support available to accredited members.
Not yet able to meet the accreditation requirements?
Manufacturers that do not currently qualify for Full Manufacturing Membership can join as Non-Accredited Members.
Non-Accredited Members cannot use the Association membership logo and are not recommended or endorsed by the Association. They can, however, access information and support services, including technical advice that can help them work towards full membership.
What does Manufacturing Membership include?
Advice and guidance
Members have access to the Association's helpline services, guidelines and practical advice, including technical and legal guidance together with HR and employment support.
Primary Authority advice
Full members are covered by the Association's Primary Authority Agreement. By following the Association's Assured Advice, members have an additional level of protection if challenged by Environmental Health Officers on matters covered by that advice.
Members can also use the Association's Primary Authority and Government links to seek clarification on specific issues, including labelling.
The Food to Go Guide
Members have access to the Food to Go Guide, bringing together practical guidance across areas including food safety, fire safety and employment law. It also includes Assured Advice covered by the Association's Primary Authority Agreement.
Training
Members can access discounted online training provided in partnership with specialist training providers.
Industry information
Regular member bulletins help keep you and your colleagues informed about legislation, industry developments and other issues that could affect your business.
Colleagues within member businesses can also be registered to receive these updates.
Meetings, networking and working groups
Members have opportunities throughout the year to meet, share information and discuss issues of common interest through meetings and webinars.
The Association also establishes working groups where appropriate, bringing members together to address particular industry challenges and develop practical solutions.
A voice for manufacturers
An important part of membership is having an organisation that can represent the collective interests of the industry.
The Association engages with Government and other organisations on issues affecting manufacturers and the wider food to go sector. Existing areas of work have included labour, packaging and environmental issues, nutrition policy and food safety. It has also worked with organisations including the NHS on issues affecting chilled food supply.
Full members can also receive support when dealing with negative media coverage, with the Association able to act as an industry spokesperson where appropriate.
Promoting the industry
Membership connects manufacturers with wider Association activity designed to support and promote the sector.
This includes British Sandwich Week, which promotes the sandwich market to consumers, and the annual Sandwich Industry Awards – the Sammies, which recognise achievement and good practice across the industry. Members receive discounted places at the awards dinner.
Members can also receive copies of Sandwich & Food to Go News and Café Life, with additional colleagues able to register to receive the magazines.
Recommended manufacturer listings
Full Manufacturing Members are included in the Association's recommended manufacturer listings and receive listings through its industry media and online directory.
The Association can also refer relevant enquiries from retailers and others looking for manufacturing partners to its members.
Interested in Manufacturing Membership?
If you'd like to discuss membership, accreditation requirements or the application process, contact:
Andy Williams
Membership Accounts Manager
Telephone: 01291 636341
Email:
