Every aspect of human life is affected by the ways in which people produce, distribute and consume food and drink. The cultures we create around food need to be healthy and fair, and environmentally sustainable. We look to learn from past and present food cultures to help design new futures for food that will sustain people and the planet. 

We explore food and drink from every angle and our researchers come from all areas of the University – science, social science, the humanities, business and law, technology and the creative industries.  We are concerned with changes that affect individual food choices, local provision of food and global food systems. We have links with the food and drink industry, policy makers, local government, and campaigners across the world, particularly in less developed countries. The work of the group aligns with nearly all of the UN Sustainability Goals.

Portsmouth itself is a city of contradictions in food. It is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe yet it lies between the sea and fertile crop growing areas. The risk of flooding due to climate change exists but so does a high demand for local and sustainable food. The city has one of highest levels in the UK of food poverty, but also local urban greening initiatives, a large number of allotments and fishing The Port is the fourth largest in the UK for the import of non-EU fruit and vegetables but the city has many diet-related health issues. Although our work takes us across the UK and across the globe, we are very much part of the University of Portsmouth’s strategy to be a civic university, helping to transform Portsmouth to meet the future. 

We undertake research and innovation programmes on behalf of industry and government customers. Our team develops bespoke approaches to develop insight, understanding and innovation that can be applied by our customers for their benefit as well as to the benefit of society. 

If you are interested in learning more about the food and drink research and innovation programme, set up a call with Sandra Johnson (Sandra.Johnson@port.ac.uk) or Lisa Jack (Lisa.Jack@port.ac.uk)