Why fiin exists

In June 2013, Professor Christopher Elliott, Director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, was asked by the Secretaries of State for Health and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to conduct a review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks. This resulted in the publication of the ‘Elliott Review’.

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Meat
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Berries
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Combines
Test
Supply chain assurance

The Food Industry Intelligence Network (fiin) was established in 2015 by industry technical leaders, in response to the recommendation of the ‘Elliott Review’, for the industry to create a ‘safe haven’ to collect, collate, analyse and disseminate information and intelligence to protect the interests of the consumer. fiin enables a collaborative and targeted approach to supply chain assurance.

Integrity
Authenticity
Traceability

Who we are

fiin was established by a group of 21 industry technical leaders, who represent a cross-section of the food industry from retail, to manufacturing and food service. Since its inception, fiin’s membership has been opened up to the wider industry and we continue to grow. In 2017, the fiin Technical Steering Group (TSG) was established as a group of members who use their cross-category expertise, to drive the network forward.

How we work

fiin’s success hinges on the data provided by our members. On a quarterly basis, members submit data relating to raw material or ingredient testing, including both analytical and/ or supply chain traceability, into fiin via legal host, Eversheds Sutherland LLP. This data is then anonymised and consolidated, and a report is produced using the combined data. Governance of the network is in place via a governing board of member companies and Eversheds Sutherland LLP law firm. Campden BRI also provide a range of member services.

Test

Data Submission

fiin members submit information on a quarterly basis to an independent law firm, who anonymises the data

Test

Independent Analysis

The data is combined, and a report generated, which is reviewed by the TSG and our independent Scientific Adviser

Test

Reporting

Data is generated on a quarterly basis and available via a dashboard and a quarterly report to members that have contributed data

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Background

Our History

Explore more

2013

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Factory

Professor Christopher Elliott, Director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, was asked by the Secretaries of State for Health and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to conduct a review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks

2014

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Berries

Elliott Review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks: final report, published

2015

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fish

The Food Industry Intelligence Network (fiin) was established by 21 by industry technical leaders, in response to the recommendation of the ‘Elliott Review’, for industry to create a ‘safe haven’ to collect, collate, analyse and disseminate information and intelligence to protect the interests of the consumer.

2017

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spices

The fiin Technical Steering Group (TSG) was established as a group of members who use their cross-category expertise, to drive the network forward

2019

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Factory

Information sharing agreement with food industry regulators National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), FSA Ireland (FSAI) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) commenced

2022-2023

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shop

fiin data platforms launched and significantly enhanced to support further member analysis and insight

The Board

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Helen Sissons

Helen Sisson

fiin co-chair
Group Technical Director
2 Sisters Food Group
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Emmanuelle Lerges

Emmanuelle Lerges

fiin co-chair
Technical and Quality Director
Tesco
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Debbie Barnes

Debbie Barnes

Food Technology Lead
Marks and Spencer
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Keston Williams

Keston Williams

Chief Operating Officer
Barfoots of Botley
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Dean Holroyd

Dean Holroyd

Group Technical and Sustainability Director
ABP
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Professor Saskia Van Ruth

Professor Saskia Van Ruth

Advisor to fiin Board