The Food Chain Centre of Industrial Collaboration (CIC) is based at the University of Leeds in the top-rated, for food research, department of Food Science. The Food Chain CIC is a combination of world class expertise at the University of Leeds and the Food Research and Environment Agency (FERA). It provides unique facilities for food research, to enable the food industry to meet new technical challenges and seize new commercial possibilities in food production.

The Centre commands a very wide science base, unparalleled equipment resources, development capacity and proven training facilities to provide an all inclusive service for food and drinks companies. The Food Chain works with other CICs to secure major initiatives on behalf of the industry, and acts as a conduit and facilitator for Regional and National funding to support food research.