What We're Seeing Across Food, Drink, Manufacturing & Energy in 2025

As a recruitment partner embedded in Food & Drink, FMCG, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Green Energy, D R Newitt isn’t just observing industry shifts; we’re part of them. Through our daily conversations with clients and candidates, here’s what we’re noticing, why it matters, and how we’re helping navigate these changes.

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Food & Drink: The Sector That Never Stops

The UK's food and drink sector remains the largest manufacturing industry- powering the economy with both volume and innovation. Yet, mounting cost pressures, regulatory complexities, and wavering demand are straining confidence and thinning the talent pool. According to industry data, 75% of food and drink manufacturers struggle to fill essential roles, notably in sales, operations, project management, and digital transformation.BDO UK

At D R Newitt, we’re not just plugging vacancies; we’re refining hiring as a strategic investment. Whether that’s elevating employer branding, reshaping onboarding, or helping companies rethink what ‘ideal experience’ looks like, our focus is on durable talent alignment-not just quick fixes.

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Dairy & Agriculture: Addressing the Rural Skills Gap

The rural landscape of food production is facing a growing workforce crisis. A recent survey revealed that 84% of dairy farmers report hiring difficulties, and nearly half anticipate retention challenges within a year if the current trend continues. The implications are serious: reduced production and pressure on food security.

We believe the answer lies in investing in local communities, fostering early-career talent, and shifting perception- illustrating that agriculture isn’t just seasonal work- it’s a sustainable, rewarding career path.

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Manufacturing: Competition & Adaptation

UK manufacturing remains vital but finds itself in a tight spot. Automation, economic shifts, and tight labour markets mean businesses often compete for the same scarce skillsets- especially in engineering, technical and project disciplines.

D R Newitt helps clients rethink hiring pipelines. We champion internal progression, cultural alignment, and multi-skilled potential as key success drivers, and industries embracing flexible and forward-looking strategies are winning the war for talent.

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Green Energy & Sustainability: A Rising Talent Frontier

The green economy is booming- demand for roles in sustainability, renewables, carbon compliance and packaging has surged. In fact, green job adverts rose by over 9% in 2024, even as the overall job market contracted.

What’s exciting is the opportunity for cross-sector transfers. Candidates from food, manufacturing, and engineering backgrounds are pivoting into green roles if employers can act fast and value transferable skills.

But competition is fierce: the wind industry is expected to grow from around 55,000 jobs in 2025 to over 112,000 by 2030. And the energy transition faces a looming skills gap- 277,000 roles will need filling by 2050, but only 24% of energy firms feel confident they can find qualified talent.

We work with our clients to build agile, purpose-driven EVPs, showcase career growth in green roles, and tap passive candidates from adjacent sectors.

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Recruitment Is Evolving- Are You?

Gone are the days of posting a job and waiting. Today’s candidates expect fast, mobile-friendly, values-driven experiences. Businesses need recruitment partners who bring market insight, not just resumes.

At D R Newitt, we blend human expertise with tech-powered sourcing and smart candidate storytelling. That’s how we ensure clients stand out in a crowded talent market and land great people, not just good fits.

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What This Means for You

Recruitment isn't just administrative, it’s strategic growth fuel. Companies that hire and retain the right people are the ones who innovate, scale, and thrive.

Struggling to find or keep talent across food, dairy, manufacturing, green energy, or beyond? Let’s talk. Our teams know your sectors, speak your language, and deliver results today.

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About D R Newitt Recruitment
Recruitment specialists across food & drink, manufacturing, FMCG, agri-food, and green energy. Building stronger teams to power the UK industry forward and countries beyond!