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What’s on the menu for the food and drink industry in 2025? For many businesses, it’s rising costs, labour shortages, and mounting pressure to meet sustainability targets. But there’s one cost that’s often overlooked: Water.

A Week of Insights at the Food & Drink Expo 2025

We had a fantastic (and busy!) week at the Food & Drink Expo at the NEC Birmingham, speaking with food producers, manufacturers, and hospitality leaders from across the UK. The challenges they face are clear – and so are the opportunities to reduce incorrect charges and operate more sustainably.

At Wodr, we’re focused on helping food and drink businesses cut costs and improve efficiency through smarter water management. Here’s what we learned, and how you can benefit.

Pressures Facing the Food & Drink Industry

Rising Utility Costs
Water bills have been quietly increasing year-on-year. Many businesses – particularly those with high usage like food manufacturers, caterers, and processors – are still on outdated or default water rates, leading to significant overspending.

Post-Pandemic Disruption
The pandemic forced many operators to pause, pivot, or shut down. In the rush to reopen, reviewing essential services like business water contracts often took a back seat; meaning many companies are still being overcharged.

Sustainability & Compliance
Sustainability is a growing priority for the sector. The WRAP Water Roadmap calls for 50% of UK fresh food to come from areas with sustainable water management by 2030, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 6. Optimising efficient water use is a key part of this.

Why Water Use Matters in the Food & Drink Sector

High Water Usage in Production
From washing produce to cleaning equipment and processing ingredients, the food and drink sector is one of the highest water users. Small changes in how you use water can lead to big savings.

Water in Packaging
As the industry shifts to sustainable packaging, many are overlooking the water footprint of packaging processes. By selecting materials and methods that require less water, businesses can lower both environmental impact and operational costs.

Cooling Systems & Equipment
Cooling and processing systems in breweries, dairies, and meat production use significant volumes of water. Upgrading to more efficient systems reduces both water consumption and energy bills.

Regulatory Compliance
Strict hygiene and environmental regulations demand efficient water use. Businesses that proactively manage their water consumption are better placed to stay compliant — and avoid costly penalties.

Water: The Overlooked Business Cost

Since the deregulation of the English water market in 2017, businesses, public sector organisations and charities have had the right to switch water suppliers – much like energy. But awareness remains low – particularly in the food and beverage industry where there are so many variables to consider.

That means thousands of businesses are still on default tariffs, overpaying and missing out on benefits like:

• Lower water rates
• Consolidated billing across multiple sites
• Access to water-saving audits and technology
• Better customer support and tailored solutions

How Wodr Can Help You Save

• Achieve financial savings by securing a more competitive retail fee and ensuring the correct tariffs are in place for your business.

• Access comprehensive reporting and monitoring, including consumption, Trade Effluent, and carbon reporting.

• Benefit from our vast network of retail suppliers, committed to reducing water consumption and improving efficiency.

• Enjoy dedicated support through our Account Management Model – with a named contact for all your needs.

• Tap into a range of technical support packages, including desktop and site audits, Trade Effluent reviews, and more.

Why Now?

Every April, wholesale water charges are reviewed and adjusted. This makes it the perfect time to review your water contract and assess your current rates.
If you haven’t yet reviewed your water supplier or costs this year, there’s still time – and Wodr are here to help!

Want to learn more about the latest price changes? Check out our latest blog here!

Official Partners with Worcestershire County Cricket Club for the Metro Bank One Day Cup

In a landmark move for sports and sustainability, Worcestershire County Cricket Club is proud to announce WODR as the new front of shirt partner for the Metro Bank One Day Cup.

WODR, a pioneer in business water procurement and a sister company of Utility Stream, brings its expertise in water market navigation and commitment to eco-friendly practices to the cricketing world.

WODR’s mission centres on simplifying water supply for businesses, advocating for a sustainable future through informed choices and strategic partnerships. Their innovative approach leverages market insights and relationships with retail suppliers to secure optimal water contracts for clients, underscoring a dedication to environmental stewardship.

Joe Tromans, Head of Commercial at Worcestershire, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “WODR’s focus on sustainability and efficiency mirrors our values at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

“We’re excited to join forces with a partner that not only enhances our club’s operations but also contributes positively to our community’s environmental goals.”

USL and WODR’s Directors, Nav Qayyum and Mark Edwards, echoed this sentiment. “We are thrilled to partner with Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the importance of sustainable water use within the business sector and beyond.

“It’s about making a difference, one drop at a time,” said Qayyum. Edwards added, “Together, we aim to highlight the critical role of water efficiency in today’s world, and this partnership with Worcestershire is a step towards a greener future.”

This partnership marks a significant step forward in promoting environmental awareness through sports, setting a new standard for corporate-social responsibility in the business and sports sectors alike.

Huge day at Wodr Limited HQ!

We’re thrilled to officially announce our new partnership with the Churchmarketplace! This exciting collaboration marks the beginning of a journey filled with innovation, growth, and shared success.

Together, we’re exploring innovative ways to help Catholic Schools, parishes, and organisations optimise water usage and potentially reduce costs by up to 30%.

We’re setting the stage for incredible opportunities and a brighter future ahead!

Stratford Town Football Club are delighted to announce our new commercial partnership with Wodr.

For the coming season Wodr have become our principal shirt sponsor featuring on the front of the orange home shirt and the new white third shirt. A sister company to current sponsors Utility Stream, Wodr are pioneers in the water procurement industry. Their aims are to simplify water supply for businesses by using their expertise to make informed decisions and build strategic partnerships with retail supplier to ensure the best possible deals for their clients whilst advocating for sustainability and environmental awareness.

Club reporter Archie Carter spoke with the Directors of Wodr, Mark Edwards and Nav Qayyum.

For people that don’t know, who are Utility Stream and Wodr and what are the goals and aspirations for the company?

Mark Edwards: “Utility Stream and Wodr are commercial utility consultancies and in simple terms our goal is to help businesses save money, time and be more sustainable; Utility Stream have been helping local and national businesses with their energy needs for almost 7 years; Wodr has recently launched as a sister business to disrupt the commercial water market.”

Utility Stream are extending their partnership with Stratford as their shorts sponsor, could you say why you decided to continue to partner with Stratford Town?

“Yes, we’ve been involved with the club for a number of seasons now as a sponsor and official energy partner; one of the main factors behind our decision was the level of ambition shown by Jed and the team at the club.  In addition, they show a real enthusiasm for local businesses, supporters and the town in general.”

Obviously, it’s not just Utility Stream who will be one of Stratford’s sponsors next seasons, Wodr will be the main shirt sponsor for next season, how much of an honour is it for you to be such a big part of Stratford’s season next year in that sense? 

“It’s fantastic!  I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to make this happen and build on the collaboration from previous seasons.”

What are your hopes for Stratford Town this season as their sponsor?  

Nav Qayyum: “Hopes are high, that’s for sure.  There was a real buzz around the club last season – on and off the pitch – so our hopes are for another big season with better fortunes in the FA Cup of course!”

How much of an impact would you say this news with Stratford Town will have for your business?

“Our aim is to grow our business nationally whilst having a strong local presence and we’re really confident our relationship will help us achieve that.”   

Are there any words you would like to say to Stratford Town fans regarding the upcoming season?   

“As always, fans make a real difference so please do everything to show up and support The Bards.”

Stratford Town’s Commercial Manager said “I’m really pleased to see our partnership grow with the guys from Utility Stream. To have their new company Wodr as our new principal shirt sponsor embraces the achievements of all at the club who have drove the club forward of the past few years and put us in the heart of our community.”

“As our utility’s suppliers Mark & Nav’s team are superb in bringing the club the best deals in the market. Particularly during the pandemic when the markets were so volatile. Their expertise was invaluable in guiding us through the ever-changing picture of utilities.”

Pictured: Wodr Directors Mark Edwards and Nav Qayyum with Stratford Town Commercial Manager Steven Burge.