The UK food and beverage manufacturing sector is making tangible progress in managing its energy consumption, with 70 per cent reporting a beneficial impact on the bottom line as a result of their efforts, according to a new report.

The Siemens Industry report entitled The Future of Energy: The UK Manufacturing Opportunity canvassed the views of 600 board directors, senior management and energy managers from UK manufacturers operating across all major sectors, including food and beverage organisations.

Most food and beverage manufacturers (77 per cent) now view energy as a business critical issue and nearly two thirds (64 per cent) plan to increase their investment in energy management during the next 12 months. The primary driver behind such activities is to achieve a competitive advantage, with most manufacturers measuring the success of an energy management project against this criterion.

When compared to other manufacturing sectors, food and beverage leads the way in terms of having energy management goals in place for the next five years.

Assessed alongside sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, aerospace, glass and solar, automotive and metals, food and beverage manufacturers fared less well when it came to board level involvement, investment in renewable and self-generation initiatives and a reluctance to view energy management on a par with other strategic decisions.

When questioned about perceived barriers to investing in energy management, food and beverage manufacturers were most concerned about uncertainty associated with a return on investment.

Most businesses (74 per cent) had clear energy management objectives in place for the year ahead, with 61 per cent also indicating they had planned for the next five years.

Commenting on the findings, Steve Barker, head of energy efficiency and environmental care at Siemens Industry, says: “It is most welcome to witness the progress the food and beverage manufacturing sector is making.  Our findings indicate that the sector has, compared to others, a lower executive currency, but nonetheless is seeing an increasing focus on energy and cost reduction. Progress in terms of instigating long-term strategic planning is to be applauded, but the real reward for food and beverage businesses is evidenced in the bottom line and the 70 per cent who say it has improved as a result of energy management measures.

“Some are still struggling to recognise the benefits of a strategic approach to energy management, but often the perceived barriers to investment can be easily overcome with the right information and flexible financial support from companies like Siemens now readily available.

“There are already many manufacturers taking action in this crucial area and, together with expert technology partners, they can help to inspire and educate those who say they have ‘other priorities’ over and above energy management.  For the industrial sector, and the food and beverage sector in particular, the challenges around managing energy consumption will only intensify in the years to come and doing nothing is not an option for businesses that want to thrive.”