FWD convenes Commission on food system resilience
Former Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner MP has been appointed as Chair of the new Food Resilience Commission
The Food Resilience Commission, which launched in Parliament on 28 January 2026, is a cross-sector forum led by Food & Drink Wholesale UK (FWD), tasked with investigating whether the UK’s food system is fit for purpose and able to withstand modern-day supply chain shocks. It brings together parliamentarians, industry leaders and expert stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges affecting the security, sustainability and resilience of the UK’s food and drink supply chain. The Commission will harness industry expertise to identify and address vulnerabilities within the UK’s food supply chain in areas such as cyber resilience and supply chain pressure points.
Over the coming months, the Commission will engage with stakeholders across the food supply chain including a series of evidence-gathering roundtable discussions. It will then present final recommendations to government later this year.
James Bielby, CEO, FWD, said: “UK wholesalers are a fundamental part of the UK’s food system, and throughout times of global instability, our members have continued to serve communities across the country.
“As we look to build a more resilient food system, I am absolutely delighted to be launching our Food Resilience Commission in Parliament today and thrilled that Daniel has agreed to be our chair. Given his wealth of experience and deep-rooted understanding of the food supply chain, he will be a great asset to the work of the Commission, as we seek to advise the government and future-proof the entire food supply chain.
Commenting on his appointment, Daniel Zeichner MP said: “The UK’s food system has been exposed to several unforeseen shocks over recent years. It’s a central part of our everyday life and deserves our full attention to ensure we can futureproof it for future challenges. I’m therefore delighted to have been asked by FWD to chair the new Food Resilience Commission, which will be developing a series of practical solutions to help colleagues in government, protect our food system in the future.”
Amanda Hack MP, Vice Chair, Food and Drink All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) welcomed the news. She said: “As Vice Chair of the Food and Drink APPG, my role in Parliament is to promote issues within the food and drink sector, to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the future. The last five years have exposed the fragility of global and domestic supply chains.
“Ensuring our domestic food supply chains are resilient and vigilant to future shocks is of the utmost importance. I applaud FWD for convening the Food Resilience Commission, and I look forward to playing my part in supporting its progress and advice to the government over the coming months.”
For further details on the Food Resilience Commission and how to get involved, please contact: fwduk@dgagroup.com
Amanda Hack MP Daniel Zeichner MP Food & Drink Wholesale UK Food Resilience Commission Government James Bielby wholesale