Public sector caterers urged to ‘Champion British’ during British Food Fortnight

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With a theme of ‘strengthening the roots that bind us,’ the 2025 celebration of British food and drink aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of seasonal British produce and encourage procurement strategies that prioritise local suppliers.

Love British Food, organiser of British Food Fortnight is calling on public sector caterers to engage with this year’s national campaign and help reconnect people with nutritious British food to build a stronger supply chain.

Running from September 26 to October 12, the annual two-week campaign serves as a timely reminder of the public sector’s vital role in supporting the nation’s farmers, and the role of farmers and food producers in putting nutritious food on the public plate. Many NHS hospitals already engage with this work to promote the inclusion of British produce on menus through the Hospital and Care Catering Working Group, which has organised several farm visits over a number of years, inviting caterers to reconnect with farmers and resulting in innovative new partnerships.

Founder of Love British Food, Alexia Robinson is determined to build on British Food Fortnight’s 24-year heritage, putting nutrition, flavour and sustainability at the heart of this year’s celebrations.

“We are at a critical moment, where the need for national food security has never been greater,” she says. “From local authority procurement teams to NHS chefs, we all have a role to play in driving forward a shared vision that celebrates and supports the incredible variety of food grown right here in the UK. 

“British food is the bond that sustains our nation – helping us grow physically, culturally, economically and securely. By strengthening the roots in our food system, we ensure that British food remains central to our future, making the supply chain more resilient and sustainable. Together, we can empower the public sector to lead the way in driving lasting change for the good of our communities and the planet.

“We’re encouraging public sector caterers to prioritise British suppliers in their procurement decisions and to make a conscious effort to seek out SMEs and regional suppliers wherever possible.”

 

The 2025 campaign

This year’s campaign focuses on three key pillars – Grow British, Cook British, and Champion British – with grassroots activity targeting consumers, hospitality and public sector catering.

• ‘Grow British’ celebrates the hardworking UK farmers and the critical importance of resilient and sustainable farming practices for food security 

• ‘Cook British’ encourages everyone to make seasonal, nutritious British food central to daily meals and menu planning for all

• ‘Champion British’ advocates for greater use of British produce in public institutions, businesses and communities.

During a period of profound change in food, farming and procurement policies, British Food Fortnight encourages stakeholders to promote sustainable, British food choices in all public sector settings as a key step in reducing environmental impact. 

Throughout the campaign, a wide range of events, promotions and media activities will take place nationwide. Hospitals and care homes are invited to join other public sector establishments as the campaign aims to educate, engage and empower institutions to make seasonal British food a cornerstone of their menus all year round.



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