The Source

A new commitment to British food and farming was unveiled at the University of Warwick today as the Love British Food Pledge made its debut at the prestigious TUCO Competitions Event.

Co-created by Tim Radcliffe, NHS England and Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food, the initiative calls on industry leaders, influencers, and media to publicly pledge their support for homegrown food and farming.

At the heart of the launch is a Pledge Board, inviting attendees to physically sign their commitment to the principles of the Pledge.

The Pledge outlines core commitments:

We, the undersigned, proudly commit to supporting and promoting British food and farming. Together, we pledge to:

Champion British Produce

- Prioritise the sourcing, supply, and promotion of British-grown and British-made food wherever possible.

- Highlight the quality, sustainability, and heritage of British produce in all aspects of our work.

Support British Farmers, Producers and Manufacturers

- Build strong, fair, and transparent relationships with British farmers, growers, producers and manufacturers.

- Encourage investment in British agriculture by promoting its importance to local economies and communities.

Promote Sustainability and Seasonality

- Advocate for sustainable farming and production practices that protect our countryside and environment.

- Celebrate the seasonality of British food, reducing food miles and minimising waste

Inspire Consumers to Choose British

- Educate and inspire customers and communities about the benefits of choosing British food.

- Create opportunities to showcase the diversity and excellence of British food and drink through menus, events, and campaigns.

Work Together for a Stronger Future

- Collaborate with like-minded organisations and businesses to strengthen British food’s presence locally and globally.

- Advocate for policies that support the growth and success of British agriculture and food production.

- By signing this pledge, we affirm our commitment to the values of Love British Food, to ensure a thriving future for British food, farming, and communities.

Love British Food’s Alexia Robinson commented:

“British food is the backbone of our nation’s health, economy, and identity. This Pledge gives people across our industry a powerful way to show their support and drive real change in sourcing, sustainability and education,”

NHS England’s Tim Radcliffe added:

“We believe this initiative will energise the sector and create a ripple effect - encouraging public services, retailers, and the wider food industry to source British and support our farmers.”

Graeme Collie, TUCO concluded:

“We were delighted to launch the Love British Food Pledge at the TUCO Competitions event today and I'm sure the TUCO members will continue to support the Pledge this year.  Many TUCO members were keen to commit to the pledge and show their support to British food and farming.”

Following its launch at TUCO, the Love British Food Pledge will feature at major sector events throughout the year, including the LACA Main Event in July, as well as the NACC and HCA annual events.

This campaign comes at a pivotal time for British food production, as consumers and caterers alike demand greater transparency, sustainability, and local provenance in their food choices.