The FDF is undertaking the project in conjunction with the University of Cambridge Institute For Manufacturing (IFM).
"We're trying to look ahead and describe what the world might look like in the near future, particularly for food manufacturers," said FDF communications director Julian Hunt (pictured), who described it as "an exciting project".
The initiative will examine a variety of issues, such as the political, regulatory, investment, skills and environmental landscape. Conclusions based on the research will be released in a staggered series of reports, with the first focusing on forecasts for the sector's economic value and based on hard data, said Hunt.
The FDF plans to release the initial findings of the report in the late summer or early autumn.