RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRIES

The food and drink processing industries have not only survived recent economic turmoil unscathed but have shown steady expansion in both industrialized and developing countries, as a result partly of reduced spoilage and increased production of improved agricultural and fishery commodities, but mainly because of growing demand for processed and value-added products. These now cover a very wide product range and are the most important manufacturing sector in many countries. The author examines the impact of technological developments on employment and of globalization and concentration on industrial relations, before considering training and retraining issues, the role of women workers, and occupational safety and health in these industries.