Dear Reader,

Food Manufacture is running its annual survey of readers to gauge their views about the current state of the food and drink manufacturing industry and identify the issues that are causing most concern.

I would be grateful if you would take a few moments to complete the questionnaire. As a small incentive, all named entries will automatically be entered in a prize draw to win £100 of Amazon vouchers.

We will communicate the name of the lucky winner in the July issue of Food Manufacture as well as on www.foodmanufacture.co.uk. However, I would like to reassure you of the anonymity of your response. No mention will be made of either you or your company in the published results. We are solely looking for general trends that are of interest to the readership.

Thank you for your assistance
Rick Pendrous
Editor

Survey prize draw terms and conditions

Question Title

* 1. Market Conditions

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
I am more positive about the future of my company now than a year ago.
I expect my company’s profit margins to improve over the next year.
Lack of access to finance has had a detrimental effect on my business this year.
I see a long-term future for the UK food manufacturing industry.

Question Title

* 2. Trading Relationships

  Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know
Pricing pressure from retailers is threatening - The quality of own-label products through excessive value engineering.
Pricing pressure from retailers is threatening - To cut into resources devoted to new product development and innovation.
Pricing pressure from retailers is threatening - To commoditise branded products through excessive promotional activity.
My company is keen to explore exports more this year.
My customers are taking longer to pay bills this year than last year.
Do you think the horsemeat scandal has damaged the reputation of the food supply chain?
Do you think the new Groceries Code Adjudicator will stop supermarkets abusing their power over suppliers?
Raw material prices will cause increasing headaches for us in the coming year.
I expect my company to do more business with caterers this year.
My business has been able to pass on cost increases to customers this year.

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