Global food sector unites to transform gender balance with landmark Charter launch

The Food Business Charter, developed by Meat Business Women in collaboration with signatories from over 30 leading businesses across food manufacturing, retail and foodservice supply chain, was launched at an exclusive event hosted by Baroness Minette Batters DL.

The landmark initiative reflects a strategic commitment from senior leaders to address gender imbalance and the attraction and retention of talent into the global food industry.

The initiative follows a Meat Business Women industry roundtable last year that highlighted the urgent need for action, with women representing just 33.5% of the meat industry workforce, down from 36% in 2020.

We have pledged our support to the Charter by becoming a signatory, re-affirming our commitment to attracting and retaining talent in the food industry, while developing a balanced and inclusive workforce.

Speaking about AHDB's commitment as a signatory, Angela Christison, Pork Sector Director, said:

“AHDB is proud to be a signatory of The Food Business Charter and to support this crucial step towards achieving gender balance across the industry.

“We believe that an inclusive and gender balanced workforce is essential for innovation, sustainability and the overall success of the global food sector. Our own workforce has a great balance of women at all levels of the organisation and so we are confident to commit to this Charter and reaffirm our dedication to attracting and retaining diverse talent.”

Laura Ryan, Global Chair and Founder of Meat Business Women, said:

"The Food Business Charter is a defining moment in our industry's journey toward gender equality and a major milestone for our 10th year of Meat Business Women.

“Working with senior leaders who understand the benefits of a gender-balanced workforce, we've created not just a vision, but a practical roadmap for change.

“This Charter, backed by major global and European food manufacturers, retailers and foodservice businesses, demonstrates our industry's collective determination to remove barriers and create meaningful opportunities for women at all levels.”

The Charter will be accompanied by an Action Planning Toolkit, designed in collaboration with diversity and inclusion experts, providing organisations with practical strategies to achieve the Charter's ambitions.

"This isn't about setting targets – it's about transforming our industry's future to ensure it remains profitable and sustainable,” Laura added.

"The Charter provides a framework for organisations to implement practical talent attraction and retention strategies, share best practices and create lasting change. With the support of our industry partners, we're confident we can achieve sustainable change."

The launch event took place in a pivotal week, ahead of International Women's Day, with key industry leaders, including AHDB, officially signing the Charter and pledging their commitment to gender balance.