The Source

As part of the annual British Food Fortnight, Love British Food has issued an open letter to key wholesale industry leaders, calling on them to support the growing demand for British produce by integrating dedicated "Buy British" categories within their offerings. The letter, signed by prominent chefs and industry leaders, highlights the vital role wholesalers play in strengthening the British food supply chain.

British Food Fortnight, running from 20th September to 6th October, celebrates the quality of British cuisine. It provides an opportunity for businesses across the UK to spotlight locally sourced produce and support British farmers and producers.

 The letter has been sent to all major wholesale industry leaders.

 If anyone would like to sign the letter, please email info@lovebritishfood.co.uk.

Letter in full:

Let's Love British Food - An Invitation to Wholesale Industry Leaders 

Dear Wholesale Industry Leaders,

As the country embraces and enjoys British Food Fortnight, it is an important moment to reach out to a vital part of the British food supply chain - wholesalers.

This two-week celebration isn’t just about appreciating British cuisine; it's about making substantial, sustainable changes that benefit our farmers, our economy, and the health of our nation.

Currently, thousands of caterers across the UK are curating tailored menus that highlight the quality and diversity of British produce, a testament to the country's culinary heritage. We’ve seen that the enthusiasm for British food is vast and growing. This surge is supported by a wide array of hospitality and public sector organisations, all keen to showcase what Britain has to offer.

Earlier this year, during our public sector event, we gathered and collated insights through a comprehensive report that came to conclusions from leading chefs and industry stalwarts.

Our discussion revealed a clear challenge: the desire to source more British produce is strong right across the UK, yet there is a blockage. Both farmers and producers are eager to supply, and kitchens are ready to serve - however supply chain logistics complicate this enormously.

While some industry leaders have commendably established a dedicated British category, making it easier for businesses to source local produce, it is imperative that more follow suit. By integrating a 'Buy British' category within your offerings, you not only simplify the procurement process for caterers and chefs but also align with a growing consumer demand for transparency and local sourcing. It is the very definition of a ‘win-win’ for all involved, not to forget the positive message you are sending from your company that you are dedicated to supporting British producers.

The benefits of enhancing the visibility and accessibility of British products through your platforms:

• Economic Growth: Boosting the sales of British foods supports not only local farmers but also the wider UK economy.
• Environmental Impact: Shorter supply chains mean reduced carbon footprints, an aim we all share.
• Health Benefits: Fresh, locally sourced produce is key to promoting healthier food choices among consumers.
• Cultural Heritage: Preserving and promoting British culinary traditions.
• Company Profitability: The British public want to buy British - give them the option and feel the financial rewards.

This British Food Fortnight, we invite you to consider featuring, or boosting, a British category.

We, along with prominent figures in the industry, are ready to support and collaborate with wholesalers willing to make this commitment. 

Through joint efforts, we can further deliver positive change across the entire food industry.

Let's lead this change together.

Kind Regards,

Graeme Collie, Executive Chef, King’s College London

Alexia Robinson, CEO, Love British Food 

Chris Knott, Head Development Chef, Loughborough University

Graham Senior, Executive Chef, Southampton University

Alex Sim, Development Chef and Sustainability Champion, Bristol University

Ben Bartlett, Board Member, Master Chefs Great Britain & Director, Love British Food

Karlene Gaskell, Executive Chef, University of Reading

Dunk Parsonage, Business Development Chef, Flora Food Group & Isle of Wight Technical College

Michael Croy, Executive Chef, University of St. Andrews

Liam MacDonough, Head of Catering Operations, University of Edinburgh