Meat and Food Manufacturers Prepare to Play a Key Role in Meat Business Women’s Landmark Gender Representation Report 2026

[31 October 2025] — Meat Business Women (MBW) is calling on companies across the global meat and food manufacturing supply chain to prepare now to take part in its Gender Representation Report 2026 — a globally recognised benchmarking study that tracks gender balance across the industry.

First launched in 2020, the report has measured change over time, helping organisations across the meat industry to identify opportunities to strengthen leadership pipelines, improve inclusion, and enhance talent retention.

Now in its third edition, the Gender Representation Report has become the sector’s most comprehensive analysis of where progress is being made and where challenges remain in gender representation.

For the first time, the 2026 report will broaden its scope beyond meat to include the wider food manufacturing industry, encompassing sectors such as dairy, seafood, ready meals, produce, bakery, beverages, and ingredients. This expansion reflects the shared workforce challenges and opportunities across the food value chain, from sustainability and automation to skills shortages and changing workforce expectations.

To ensure the report captures an accurate picture of the wider industry, Meat Business Women is inviting all meat and food manufacturers to prepare to submit their workforce data, spread the word through their networks and suppliers and encourage others across the sector to take part.

Laura Ryan, Global Chair of Meat Business Women, said:

“This report has become an essential tool for leaders across the food industry. It provides hard data and tangible insights that help businesses make informed decisions about how they attract, retain and progress talent. Expanding the research into the wider food sector allows us to build a clearer, more connected picture of gender representation across the supply chain.”

Data collection for the 2026 report will open on 6 January 2026 and close on 20 February 2026. Businesses are encouraged to start preparing their internal workforce data now to ensure they can take part. Participation is open to all organisations working in food or meat manufacturing, regardless of size, location, or whether they are a current Meat Business Women partner or signatory of the Food Business Charter.

Companies that are signatories of the Food Business Charter or partners of Meat Business Women will also receive a dedicated benchmark report, providing a confidential, business-specific comparison against the wider industry.

Ryan added:

“Transparency is key to driving meaningful change. By contributing data to the research, businesses not only help shape the industry’s future but also demonstrate their own commitment to creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.”

The 2026 edition will support the ambitions of the Food Business Charter, which calls for the global food industry to work towards 40% female representation by 2035. Findings will be shared globally later in 2026, providing leaders with actionable insights and sector-wide benchmarks.

Businesses across the sector are already preparing to take part — join them and help shape the future of our industry together.

Organisations can find full details of what data is required and download a preview of the Business Survey here.