Jan 8th, 2026
3 mins
Meat Business Women — the global professional network dedicated to advancing women’s representation and talent across the meat and wider food supply chain — is now researching the 2026 Gender Representation Report. This globally recognised benchmark tracks gender balance across the food and meat manufacturing industry and is independently analysed and submitted to the United Nations. The 2026 edition takes the research to the next level. Alongside continued, dedicated insight into the meat sector, the report will expand beyond meat to include the wider food manufacturing industry, covering dairy, seafood, ready meals, produce, bakery, and ingredients.
This broader scope will deliver the clearest and most connected picture yet of gender representation across the full food supply chain, helping to identify opportunities to strengthen inclusion, leadership pipelines, and talent retention. This research is unique, industry-wide, and vital for manufacturers, providing insight not available anywhere else in the sector. Data collection is open now until 20th February 2026 and we’re asking for your help to ensure manufacturers across the industry take part.
Food Manufacturers – please get involved by:
- Business Survey: Food manufacturing businesses are asked to complete the Business Survey, which captures organisational progress against gender inclusion milestones, alongside gender distribution data.
- Employee Pulse Survey: Businesses are also encouraged to distribute the Employee Pulse Survey to all employees. This helps identify where people are progressing — and where gaps still exist across the industry. Regardless of role, seniority, or gender — we want to hear from you.
Full details and access to the surveys and previous reports can be found here: https://www.meatbusinesswomen.org/what-we-do/gender-representation-report-2026.html
Thank you for helping us shape the future of gender inclusion across the global food industry.
