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’.
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.
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.
Data Submission
fiin members submit information on a quarterly basis to an independent law firm, who anonymises the data
Independent Analysis
The data is combined, and a report generated, which is reviewed by the TSG and our independent Scientific Adviser
Reporting
Data is generated on a quarterly basis and available via a dashboard and a quarterly report to members that have contributed data
Our History
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
2014
Elliott Review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks: final report, published
2015
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
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
Information sharing agreement with food industry regulators National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), FSA Ireland (FSAI) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) commenced
2022-2023
fiin data platforms launched and significantly enhanced to support further member analysis and insight
The Board
Helen Sisson
Emmanuelle Lerges
Debbie Barnes
Keston Williams
Dean Holroyd
