The Source

Held at LEX (Liverpool Experience Campus), a partner venue of the business's sports and entertainment arm Levy UK & Ireland, the evening brought together leaders from food, farming, hospitality and public policy to celebrate the contribution British food makes to communities, jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Dame Angela Eagle MP delivered the keynote address where she celebrated the quality of food and drink produced in Britain. She also celebrated the talented people who power the industry, and its ability to build careers and opportunities.

Guests enjoyed a menu inspired by the four nations, created and served by the Levy team at LEX. Highlights included crisp black pudding with Bramley apple purée, braised wild venison with blackberry compote and chalk stream trout with Maris Piper potato salad, followed by a build-your-own crumble station featuring Armagh Bramley apple, British berries, Williams pear and Coe's Golden Drop plum. A selection of British wines from WineGB, local beer, and soft drinks completed the offer.

With the Government's focus on technical education, skills and routes into employment, the reception also spotlighted the sector's role in creating opportunity. Guests heard directly from people who have returned to work through supported employment programmes, and a partnership between LEX, Levy and the LFC Foundation, sharing how they have built careers in hospitality and foodservice.

Dame Angela Eagle, Secretary of State, DEFRA, said: "I'd like to thank Love British Food and Compass Group for bringing us together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of British Food Fortnight. There is no better example than food of an industry that can drive growth in every postcode. It is one of the few sectors that touches every community across the country."

Lucy Hunt, Corporate Affairs and ESG Director at Compass Group UK & Ireland, said: “British Food Fortnight is a celebration not only of the exceptional food and drink produced across the UK, but also of the people behind it. From farmers and producers to chefs and front-of-house teams, our sector reaches into every community, supporting jobs, skills and opportunity. The evening brought that contribution to life and showed what is possible when people are given the encouragement and support to build confidence, develop their talents and create lasting careers in hospitality.” 

Alexia Robinson, Founder, Love British Food, said: “This was a joyful celebration of 25 years of British Food Fortnight and of the extraordinary food produced across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It was wonderful to bring together people from farming, food, hospitality and public life to recognise the farmers, fishermen, growers, food makers and frontline teams who feed the nation. Events like this turn support for British food into action, helping to showcase its quality and diversity, strengthen connections across the supply chain and inspire more people to choose British.” 

The reception formed part of British Food Fortnight, the annual campaign celebrating the farmers, growers, fishermen, producers and hospitality professionals behind the nation's food and drink.

British Food Fortnight runs from 26 September to 11 October.