Mr Stevenson’s constituency is home to UK premises of major food manufacturers like Carr’s Biscuits, United Biscuits and Nestlé.
He said he hopes chairing the group will enable him “to generate significant legislative support for an industry which offers world class capabilities in production, logistics, sales, marketing and innovation.”
“By supporting the industry nationally, we can expect to reap the benefits closer to home in Carlisle, which remains a regional centre for manufacturing excellence.”