R&D Tax Credits For The Food and Drink Sector
Get the sector experience you need to make a successful R&D tax relief claim
QLC helps food and drink companies accelerate their R&D claims with our streamlined portal and expert team.
Our food and drink experience
With years of expertise in R&D tax credits for food businesses, QLC understands the unique challenges and opportunities of your industry.
From improving production processes to developing new recipes or sustainable packaging, we’ve helped businesses across the food and drink sector claim millions in R&D tax relief.
Whether you're a small bakery or a large brewery, trust QLC to guide your R&D tax credit journey.
Success stories
What Our Clients Say About Us
"I am really impressed with the efficiency of your work, and the results you got for our company. A very friendly, committed and obviously hardworking team. You made the whole process very easy."
Will Tompkins (Director)
Vintage and Classic Cars
"QLC successfully claimed credits for the past 2 financial years, this year was even better. They managed the application and claimed the R&D credit prior to our annual tax bill, making the whole process quicker, easier and more efficient than last year."
Andrew Forbes (Director)
Architecture
"A massive thanks to all your team, obviously with the current situation, this money couldn’t have come at a better time."
Ian Cooke (Director)
Engineering
"From our experience we have always found QLC to be efficient and thorough in their tax appraisals, carefully guiding us through the often complex process. They have a very approachable team, all of which have been able to offer excellent advice when needed."
Ben Reed (Director)
Architecture
"They are proactive and efficient in performing their service and I have been impressed by their dynamism."
Chris Wright (Director)
Motorsport Engineering
"Your company did exactly what you said it would do. It took far less time than the other company that we had used in the past. We are extremely pleased with the outcome."
Adrian Smith (Company Sec)
Manufacturing Firm
"I am really impressed with the efficiency of your work, and the results you got for our company. A very friendly, committed and obviously hardworking team. You made the whole process very easy."
Will Tompkins (Director)
Vintage and Classic Cars
"QLC successfully claimed credits for the past 2 financial years, this year was even better. They managed the application and claimed the R&D credit prior to our annual tax bill, making the whole process quicker, easier and more efficient than last year."
Andrew Forbes (Director)
Architecture
"A massive thanks to all your team, obviously with the current situation, this money couldn’t have come at a better time."
Ian Cooke (Director)
Engineering
"From our experience we have always found QLC to be efficient and thorough in their tax appraisals, carefully guiding us through the often complex process. They have a very approachable team, all of which have been able to offer excellent advice when needed."
Ben Reed (Director)
Architecture
"They are proactive and efficient in performing their service and I have been impressed by their dynamism."
Chris Wright (Director)
Motorsport Engineering
"Your company did exactly what you said it would do. It took far less time than the other company that we had used in the past. We are extremely pleased with the outcome."
Adrian Smith (Company Sec)
Manufacturing Firm
How much could you claim?
The average R&D tax claim in the food and drink sector
To find out what your own business could claim, speak to our team:
£42k
Common R&D activities in the food and drink sector
Product development and reformulation
New foods
Developing entirely new food or beverage products to cater to evolving consumer preferences, such as plant-based, vegan, organic, or allergen-free options.Reformulating recipes
Reformulating recipes to reduce or eliminate sugar, salt, fat, or artificial additives without compromising on taste, texture, or shelf life.Nutrition
Enhancing nutritional profiles to meet health-conscious consumer demands, including fortified foods or beverages.Brewing
Innovating in brewing, fermentation, and curing methods to achieve unique flavours, improve consistency, or reduce production time.Alternative ingredients
Testing alternative ingredients, such as plant-based proteins, natural sweeteners, or upcycled by-products, to create sustainable and cost-effective recipes.
Food for markets
Tailoring food or beverage formulations for specific demographics, such as children, athletes, or individuals with medical conditions (e.g., gluten intolerance or diabetes).
Process improvement and automation
Redesigning and refining
Redesigning or refining production lines to improve throughput, reduce downtime, or enhance product quality.Automation
Implementing automation technologies such as robotic systems, conveyor optimisations, or AI-based quality control to increase efficiency.Reducing waste
Reducing waste and spoilage during production by introducing advanced sorting, monitoring, or preservation systems.Transparency
Enhancing traceability systems using IoT and blockchain technology to ensure transparency and meet regulatory requirements.Energy efficiency
Improving energy efficiency in production facilities, such as by optimising refrigeration, heating, or lighting systems.
Water usage
Minimising water usage through closed-loop systems, wastewater recycling, or advanced cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems.
Sustainable packaging and ingredients
Packaging
Researching and developing biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable packaging materials to reduce environmental impact.More packaging
Testing edible or reusable packaging solutions for innovative consumer experiences.Designs
Investigating packaging designs that use less material without compromising durability or product protection.Natural ingredients
Sourcing alternative natural ingredients to replace synthetic or artificial components, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust.
Shelf life
Extending shelf life using advanced preservation techniques, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), or natural preservatives to reduce food waste.
Smart tech
Developing packaging that integrates smart technology, such as freshness indicators or QR codes for traceability and marketing purposes.
Regulatory compliance and safety
Developing processes to meet food safety standards, such as BRC or HACCP compliance.
Improving allergen management systems or testing protocols.
Validating methods to meet regulatory changes, such as reducing plastic usage.
Innovations for breweries
Experimenting with new brewing techniques or equipment to improve flavour consistency.
Using alternative ingredients, such as gluten-free grains or organic hops.
Enhancing fermentation processes to increase efficiency or reduce waste.
Advanced R&D in food and drink technologies
AI and machine learning
Leveraging AI and machine learning to analyse consumer trends, optimise formulations, or predict supply chain disruptions.Digital twins
Implementing digital twin technology for virtual simulations of production processes to test and improve efficiency.3D printing
Using 3D food printing for personalised nutrition, intricate designs, or small-batch gourmet production.Fermentation
Researching precision fermentation for creating sustainable proteins, flavourings, or speciality ingredients.
IoT
Developing IoT-enabled smart kitchens or factories to enhance real-time monitoring and operational efficiency.
Advanced Technologies in Engineering R&D
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Optimising designs, predicting system behaviour, and automating repetitive tasks.Digital twin technology
Creating virtual models of systems to simulate and improve performance.Additive manufacturing (3D Printing)
Developing new materials and techniques for additive processes.IoT integration
Enhancing connectivity and data collection for smarter systems.Sustainable engineering solutions
Innovating to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
Why choose QLC?
QLC and our portal help businesses like yours claim R&D tax credits and tax relief, with a process designed to support consistent information gathering and claim preparation.
End-to-end service
Easy-to-use customer portal
Efficient end-to-end claim preparation
Clear updates at every stage
Flexible comms
All sectors and sizes
No minimum fee
Stakeholder transparency
Food and drink sector R&D tax credit FAQ
Can food businesses claim R&D tax credits?
Yes, food businesses can claim R&D tax credits if they are undertaking innovative projects aimed at overcoming scientific or technological uncertainties. This could involve developing new recipes, improving production processes, creating sustainable packaging, or enhancing product shelf life.
Examples of qualifying activities include:
- Reformulating products to reduce sugar, salt, or fat content.
- Experimenting with alternative ingredients to cater to dietary needs, such as gluten-free or plant-based options.
- Improving manufacturing efficiency through process automation or waste reduction.
- Developing biodegradable packaging solutions or extending product shelf life.
Even failed projects or prototypes can qualify, as long as the work involves genuine attempts to solve technical challenges. With the help of experts, you can identify which of your activities and costs are eligible, so that the relief available under the R&D rules is properly claimed.
What qualifies as R&D in the food and drink sector?
Qualifying activities include recipe reformulation, process optimisation, packaging innovations, and more. See above for examples specific to R&D tax credits in food and drink.
Can failed projects still qualify for R&D tax credits?
Yes. Unsuccessful projects qualify as long as they address technical uncertainties or advance knowledge in the food and drink sector.
What costs can be included in an R&D tax relief claim?
Eligible costs include staff wages, raw materials, utilities, software, and subcontractor costs directly related to R&D activities.
How does R&D tax credit work for collaborations in the food industry?
Collaborations with suppliers, universities, or research institutions may still qualify, depending on the funding and financial risk arrangement.
How are R&D tax credits calculated for global food businesses?
Only UK-based activities are eligible for R&D tax relief, but overseas costs, such as imported materials or subcontracted research, may qualify in some cases.
What is the process for claiming R&D tax credits in food and drink?
QLC simplifies the process. We assess your projects, calculate eligible costs, and prepare your claim. Start your claim today with a free trial of our portal.