Press release: Latest report highlights UK flour milling industry delivering for the nation

LATEST REPORT HIGHLIGHTS UK FLOUR MILLING INDUSTRY DELIVERING FOR THE NATION

UK flour milling report released this week highlights benefits for the nation

Feeding the nation, driving productivity, providing skilled jobs, and delivering food security were the key themes at the second annual Parliamentary Reception of UK Flour Millers this week. Millers and stakeholders came together to highlight the importance of the industry.

More than 100 people, including Members of Parliament (MPs), officials, and partners across the farming, milling, baking supply chain joined the event in Portcullis House, hosted by Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk. There has been milling in Mr Jermy’s constituency at the Downham Market mill since 1851.

UK Flour Millers, the trade association, noted the United Kingdom (UK) is self-sufficient in flour production, a sector which has benefited from more than £300 million of investment over the last decade in the latest mills and mill technology. Mills are spread across much of the country, from Edinburgh to Belfast, Whitley Bridge to the Isle of Wight.

Commenting, the Food Security Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, said:

“UK flour millers sit at the heart of our food system, connecting British wheat growers to the millions of households, bakeries, and food businesses relying on safe, affordable, and high-quality flour.

“We are committed to providing the clarity and stability the sector needs and are acutely aware of the pressures it faces, including the serious impacts of the Middle East conflict. We are actively monitoring developments and stand ready to act swiftly to support farming and food security.

“Through our 25 Year Farming Roadmap, the Land Use Framework, the Farming and Food Partnership Board, and sector growth plans, we will work in partnership to ensure British flour milling remains productive, resilient, and central to our long-term food security.”

Terry Jermy MP said:

“I am incredibly proud to host the second annual reception of UK Flour Millers today in Parliament. For the past 175 years, South West Norfolk has been the proud home of a Heygates flour mill in Downham Market, which mills tens of thousands of tonnes of locally grown wheat each year. Flour mills are a crucial component for our nation’s food security and an essential element of the food supply chain. By supporting flour mills we support our farmers, local jobs, and ensure food security.”

UK Flour Millers released its Annual Review at the event. This captures the sector’s contribution to the nation, alongside priorities for the future around energy costs, support for research and development, and access to the Apprenticeship Levy.

Mike Peters, UK Flour Millers’ president and milling group advisor at Whitworth Bros Ltd, explained why support for the sector is essential:

“Ours is one of the most productive sectors of the UK economy. As a result of the comprehensive and ongoing investment in cutting edge technology, we have one of the highest value adds per employee of any sector.

“While that delivers on growth, jobs, and innovation, our principal contribution to the UK is providing an ingredient essential for national food security. Almost all households in the UK rely on the daily staple, bread as part of their diets. You will actually find flour as a primary or secondary ingredient in more than a third of foods found on supermarket shelves. Whether in wraps, snacks and soups, fish fingers, gravies or sausages, flour is ubiquitous.”

Up to 85% of the wheat processed by UK millers is from British farms, part of a farming, milling, baking supply chain that supplies the nation with around 12 million loaves every day.

Alongside investment in mills and technology, the sector focuses on nurturing its skilled employees. The skilled and expert workforce not only in milling, but technical, maintenance, distribution, hygiene, sales, and back-office functions. More than 2,500 people are directly employed across the businesses, with some 30 apprentices learning in mills across the country.

UK Flour Millers’ Annual Review 2025 can be found online here.

Notes to readers

To learn more about the economic impact of the flour milling industry, readers should refer to UK Flour Millers’ Economic Impact Report.

About UK Flour Millers

UK Flour Millers is the trade association representing the UK flour milling industry. There are 34 member companies operating over 50 flour mills. Millers use nearly 5 million tonnes of wheat to make approximately 4 million tonnes of flour each year. In a typical year, up to 80-85% of the wheat used by UK millers is homegrown.

Flour is an ingredient in 30% of grocery store products and provides approximately 20% of the nation’s food energy requirements while playing a critical role in domestic food security.