<p>DEFRA is the lead Department in Whitehall responsible for Government relations with the UK food and drink manufacturing sector; BIS does not have a dedicated team of policy officials that deals</p><p><?notus-xml column=218?></p><p>in this area. BIS Ministers and staff have discussions with representatives of this industry when any departmental policies may affect the sector. In addition, the Department has a Relationship Management role with key food and drink companies, including participation in virtual teams as part of UKTI's Strategic Relationship Management programme.</p>