The LDA said the food and drink industry was the best performing manufacturing sector in London's economy in recent years, employing more than 31, 000 people.

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The organisation, which works with more than 100 companies in the food and drink industry, said 42% of the charities it surveyed reported an increase in demand for food in the past year.

BBC: 'Big rise' in charity food demand, says Fareshare

In broader terms, Defra says the UK food and drink industry accounted for 11% of the country's energy consumption, excluding transport, in 2002.

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Cut emissions' food trade urged

Labour AM for Mid and West Wales Alun Davies raised concerns for the food, fish and drink industry and challenged the minister on her decision not to protect that budget.

BBC: Rural Development Sub-committee

The new figures were revealed one month after representatives of the seafood industry attended the largest ever Scottish food and drink trade mission to Japan and China.

BBC: Salmon exports to Far East 'at record high'

Melanie Leech, director general of industry body the Food and Drink Federation, said the importance of the strategy was "long recognised" and it "marks an important milestone towards a joined-up approach across the food chain".

BBC: NEWS | UK | 'Cut emissions' food trade urged

It's therefore no surprise that last week the Lancet accused multinational food, drink, and alcohol industries of using similar strategies to the tobacco industry to undermine public health policies and suggested they should be regulated.

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Following a harrying battle against the beverage industry, fast food giants and New York residents determined to drink themselves into a saccharine oblivion, Mayor Bloomberg, has emerged victorious.

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Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers said the latest figures highlighted a key area of focus for the industry.

BBC: Scotland business