Cumbria has a reputation for quality food and drink, linked to quality agricultural and the need to cater for a discerning tourist market. Organisations range from the national and international to the local and organic.

Carlisle is home to Cavaghan & Gray, producing food for Marks and Spencer amongst others. Also in the city, United Biscuits McVities produces branded products whilst in nearby Dalston, Nestle makes milk products.

In Kendal, Farley Health Products, part of the HJ Heinz Group, manufactures baby foods. On the edge of the Lakeland fells lies Waberthwaite, home to Richard Woodall, one of the oldest family businesses with stockists across the country. Based in Grasmere an 1850 year old Gingerbread recipe is still made by the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop; awarded Best Regional Product in the Food North West Awards. Cumbria is also home to Willow Water sourced from the famous ‘Holy Well of Cartmel’, legendary for its restorative qualities since the 1700s.

With such a rich collection of food and drink manufacturers, it’s no surprise that this sector continues to grow in Cumbria.