Fresh Direct has pledged to make 100% of its UK contracted growers LEAF Marque certified by the end of 2025, as foodservice leaders joined forces during British Food Fortnight to back a step-change in sourcing and menu transparency.

26 September – 12 October 2025 British Food Fortnight, the best established annual promotion of British food across the public sector, returns today, and is going from strength to strength. The nationwide celebration is proven to deliver results , with more catering teams than ever expected to take part in the public sector. Schools, care homes, hospitals, universities , prisons - reflecting the supportive ‘family’ that is the Public Sector Catering (PSC) Alliance , of which Love British Food has been one of the longest-serving members. TUCO, NACC, HCA and LACA all actively support British Food Fortnight and encourage their members to take part. 3,000+ schools, 40+ hospitals and hundreds of care homes are all expected to join. Celebrations across Britain This year marks the first time in several years that all four nations are taking part, supported by the launch of a new four-nation series of the Love British Food logo . Menu promotions during the fortnight will showcase the passion public sector caterers have for fresh, seasonal British produce, and the value they place on close relationships with suppliers who help to deliver robust supply chains. Hospital promotions will be led by Bon Culina and Medirest , both Official Partners of Love British Food. Other Official Partners serving the public sector include OCS, Chartwells, Brakes, Fresh Direct, Harrison Catering, and Essential Cuisine. Regional suppliers Local Food Links and Derbyshire Catering Services are Food Hero members. Chartwells (Compass) is celebrating British Food Fortnight in 2,000 schools with classic British recipes and menu takeovers. NHS participation: Exemplar NHS Trusts in England have committed to taking part, renewing their pledge earlier this year. Many Trusts are running patient-focused activities. At Yeovil District Hospital , a bronze exemplar site, celebrations include a daily menu of British classics, from beer-battered haddock and chips to roast beef wraps with bubble & squeak fritters, alongside British desserts in the cafe. Farm visit success: The success of British Food Fortnight builds on Love British Food’s extensive on-farm training programme , which has now hosted over 214 public sector caterers on 10 farms. Committed to delivering a positive change on the ground. Love British Food calls these participants ‘change-makers,’ as they return to their workplaces inspired to source British and equipped with the knowledge of why it matters. The programme, initially focused on NHS caterers, has now expanded to include NACC and TUCO members. Public Sector Quotes: Professor Jayne Jones, Chair, Public Sector Catering Alliance, and Assistant Director (Facilities and Production), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde , said: “British Food Fortnight is a highlight in any public sector caterer's calendar, as it gives us a chance to showcase the wonderful local produce that we provide across our sector. We serve amazing local and seasonal produce across schools, hospitals, care homes, universities and prisons, and it's inspiring to see the work of Love British Food and other partners continue to grow the connection between producers, caterers and everyone involved in the supply chain in between to strengthen that sustainable access to local food for all. Caterers are rightly proud to demonstrate their skills in preparing and serving local food, and the care and respect they have for quality produce reflects the care and respect our primary producers have for the land. It's also wonderful to see this work reach across the devolved nations this year, providing a platform for each nation to showcase their pride in their local areas and the seasonal produce on offer.” Derek Wright, Catering Services Manager, Blackpool Catering Services , said: “School meals play a vital role in shaping children’s health and learning, and British Food Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to showcase the importance of fresh, local, and seasonal produce on the plates of our young people. By supporting British farmers, we not only invest in our children’s wellbeing but also strengthen our communities and food system for the future.” Toby Haines, Sous Chef, Yeovil District Hospital, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust , commented: “Here at Yeovil District Hospital, we will be celebrating British Food Fortnight with a selection of classics where they can expect a freshly prepared dish using local quality British ingredients every day. The bunting will be in place ready to celebrate on the 26th!” Across Somerset NHS Foundation Trust , community hospitals will be hosting tea parties, display boards highlighting British suppliers, and even British apple tasting events. Jane Wills, Deputy Facilities Manager, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust , added: “Within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust the Community Hospitals will be hosting tea parties for our patients, have display boards promoting the British food we provide, add union jack hearts to our menus to denote what products are British and one site hosts a British apple tasting event.” Tim Radcliffe, Net Zero Food Programme Manager, NHS England , said: “This year’s British Food Fortnight is especially important as it highlights the value of fresh, seasonal, and sustainable British produce at a time when supporting local food systems has never mattered more. For the NHS, it resonates deeply — nourishing patients, visitors, and staff with food that promotes health, wellbeing, and care. I’m delighted to see so many Trusts taking part this year, showing real pride in the meals they serve and the people they serve them to.” Mike Haslin, CEO, TUCO , commented: “British Food Fortnight holds a special place in the university food service calendar. It’s the time when we can truly spotlight the seasonality and quality of British food, while fostering stronger links between universities, producers and local supply chains.” Philip Shelley, National Lead for Food, NHS England , sums up: “Having British Food at the centre of our menu choice throughout healthcare is vital if we are to strengthen our commitment to farmers and local distributors in our regions. Every year, we take time to celebrate British Food Fortnight which highlights the opportunities, the quality of products and the sustainable measures which help us drive our net zero goals.”

The UK’s largest annual celebration of homegrown food and the farmers who produce it, returns from 26 September to 12 October. The nation comes together for British Food Fortnight, for the 24 th year, with founder and CEO, Alexia Robinson, saying: “This year’s theme shines a spotlight on food’s deep-rooted connections with each of us – the bond that sustains the nation, physically, culturally, and economically. “Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, political pressures, and a challenging market, ensuring Britain’s food security is our number one priority.” At the heart of British Food Fortnight is a rallying call to back British farmers and celebrate the quality, diversity, and provenance of our food. Leading industry figures and organisations are uniting to support the campaign. Nation Farmers Union president, Tom Bradshaw says: “This British Food Fortnight comes on the back of a very hard two years for many farmers and growers. Public support means the world to those out in all weathers producing great British food for the nation. This fortnight is a great chance to celebrate all they do, so please show your support by trying to buy British wherever you can.” It is a sentiment echoed by Shadow Farming Minister, Robbie Moore MP, who says: “From the family farms that have been part of our countryside for generations to our young farmers bringing fresh ideas into the industry, British farming is the backbone of our rural economy. This year’s Food Fortnight celebrations are bigger than ever and I would encourage everyone to use this moment to show their support!” A true community movement, British Food Fortnight stretches from field to fork, reaching into every corner of the UK. For the first time celebrations are planned across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From city authorities to remote rural village halls, from the nation’s classrooms to its care homes, to universities and hospitals, everyone is united by one thing – putting British food centre stage. From giant puddings, floating food festivals, street food cookery workshops, bakery tours to farm visits, anyone can join in the fun. On the high street, the newly launched Community Champion of Change competition, is running in collaboration with lead retail partner, Morrisons, celebrating individuals and groups who are making a difference in backing British food. At a grassroots level, farmers have expressed their support of this vital campaign and encourage the public to take part. As Gloucestershire pig farmer, Anna Longthorp explains: “There is only one person with more power than supermarkets and successive governments, and that is you, the consumer; vote with your hard-earned cash and buy British.” David Webster, chief executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) says: “British Food Fortnight is a powerful reminder of the incredible contribution our farmers make – not only in producing high-quality, sustainable food, but also in caring for our environment and supporting rural communities.” Reaching a crescendo The celebrations culminate with the Harvest Torch, which has travelled from Southwark Cathedral to Suffolk where it has been paraded at agricultural shows all summer culminating in a special Harvest Service at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 5th October, the middle weekend of British Food Fortnight. From there it will travel to London for the National Harvest Service at Westminster Abbey the week after the national food celebrations, on World Food Day, where it will be carried by the President of the NFU and lead the Offertory Procession. This finale brings together a partnership between Love British Food with The Trussell Trust, The Felix Project, the Coronation Food Project and City Harvest, highlighting the importance of making good food accessible to all. Get involved “We are incredibly grateful for the support from all our partners and Food Heroes who help us amplify the voices of British farmers and ensure British Food Fortnight 2025 is a resounding success in promoting local, sustainable food,” adds Alexia. Let’s come together to grow, cook, and champion British food, supporting our farmers every step of the way. To discover how to take part and find local events, visit www.lovebritishfood.co.uk or follow @LoveBritishFood on social media. Supporters from across the supply chain have shared their commitment to British Food Fortnight: “From hospitals to hospitality, British food creates some fantastic dishes and it’s only right that we celebrate the amazing contribution our farmers and growers make,” James Armitage, marketing director, Fresh Direct. “Choosing British strengthens supply chains, supports rural jobs, and promotes sustainable farming. For organisations, it’s a chance to show real commitment to provenance and resilience.” Philip Rayner, co-founder and MD, Glebe Farm Foods “School meals play a vital role in shaping children’s health and learning, and British Food Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to showcase the importance of fresh, local, and seasonal produce on the plates of our young people. By supporting British farmers, we not only invest in our children’s wellbeing but also strengthen our communities and food system for the future." Derek Wright, catering service manager, Blackpool Catering Services “We’re proud to champion British Food Fortnight by showcasing the best of local produce. Supporting British farmers and suppliers isn’t just about great taste — it’s about sustainability, quality, and celebrating the food heritage that brings communities together.” Caroline Morgan, Local Food Links, Dorset "Supporting British farming means supporting nature, rural economies, and the future of local produce. British Food Fortnight is an opportunity to showcase the innovation and passion at the heart of our industry.” Sarah Haire, Dunbia. “I’m delighted for NSA to join lots of other farming and food organisations in being part of British Food Fortnight. It’s really important to reflect on just how fortunate we are to have such an abundance of high quality food and drink, produced here in Britain with care and a lot of hard work by farmers and many others throughout our supply chain. ” Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association Farmers from across the UK have also added the voices: “British farmers and growers are resilient, hardworking, innovative and deliver some of the highest quality and best tasting food in the world. British Food Fortnight is a celebration of all our hard work!” Alison Capper, Worcestershire farmer and executive chair of British Apples & Pears “British food fortnight showcases the safe, ethical and sustainable food produced by British farmers - supporting British farmers, helps sustain our food security, rural communities and countryside.” Holly Atkinson, dairy farmer, Devon “British Food Fortnight is a great opportunity to support farmers, to help them produce healthy, nutritious food, while at the same time benefiting nature. When nature thrives, so does farming, and when farming thrives, so does the country.” James Robinson, Strickley Farm, Cumbria “Supporting British farmers means backing the people who care for our land, produce high-quality food, and steward our countryside for future generations, British Food Fortnight is the perfect moment to celebrate that.” Sophie Gregory, dairy farmer, Devon

As part of British Food Fortnight this year we would like you to welcome you to Honeybuns bakery for an exclusive peek behind the scenes. Taking place on Saturday 11 October, this exclusive event will include a tour of our artisan bakery, followed by a guided walk around the nature reserve here at Naish Farm, and finishing with oodles of cake tastings (of course!). We have two sessions on the day. The first runs from 2.00pm to 3.30pm, and the second from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. £15 per person payable on booking. All monies go to The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project, a local community garden. Spaces are limited so make sure you book your place. Contact details below.

Growing numbers of customers want to buy British food Support for British farmers and food producers is palpable here in the South West. The snaking queues at numerous farm shops such as Teals, Darts Farm and Felicity’s are testament to a growing market for thoughtfully and locally produced fresh food. The phenomenon that is Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat has also turbo charged interest in our amazing British food heritage. Deliciously stocked rural vending machines are also tapping into this sustained interested in artisan food. Our local one at Woodbridge Farm, home of the esteemed Blue Vinny cheese, sells beautiful chutneys, cheeses, yoghurt and fresh milk with not a single mass produced sausage roll in sight. You can pop in there 24/7 knowing that everything there is made either on the farm or in Dorset. According to Emily Davies, owner of Blue Vinney, "With business costs rising and no proportional improvement in the milk price for decades it has provided us with an invaluable opportunity of maintaining control over our own products as well as a brilliant shop window for education, trialling anything new or seasonal and just having fun." Quoting from the Public Sector Catering website, “more than 80% of people surveyed believe it’s important to buy British Food”. The stats from the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme are even more heartening, “91% trust UK food that is exclusively produced in the UK”. British Farming and Food have weathered the storm - it’s now time to celebrate Following on from the brutal challenges of the pandemic, lockdowns and the ensuing cost of living crisis, consumer confidence fell in British Food from 2021-2024. The Ukraine crisis with its disruption to the supply of key ingredients from wheat to sunflower oil led the United Nations to state, “The United Nations has warned that the combination of COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine crisis has led to the biggest food crisis after the World War II”. Gloomy days indeed - heaven knows we are ready for a bit of a party. So the fact that trust in British Food is now at its highest since 2021 truly is something to celebrate. By popping up your British Food Fortnight bunting and going all red white and blue on your chosen day(s) your team and your customers can wave the flag for our fabulous food heritage. From the iconic Cornish pasty to the creamy Cranachan of the Highlands, our beloved isle is full to bursting with gastronomic treasure.

The organisers of British Food Fortnight and its official retail partner, Morrisons, have launched this year’s Community Competition to identify and recognise individuals, community groups, and organisations driving positive change in their local food systems. A key initiative which runs from 26 September to 12 October, the newly titled Love British Food Champion of Change competition is a celebration of the people creating deeper connections to British produce across their communities. In partnership with Love British Food, Morrisons is encouraging nominations from individuals and organisations, with the retailer’s in store network of community champions playing a key role in the nominations process. Morrisons Community Manager, Joseph Clark-Bland, said; “The Champion of Change competition is a chance for the industry to celebrate the unsung heroes working tirelessly to make British food the first choice on every plate. We look forward to giving recognition to those who share Morrisons values by inspiring others to explore the incredible variety and quality of food grown right here in the UK.” The competition provides a platform for recognising those creating stronger connections with British food. Morrisons’ involvement in this initiative aligns with its ongoing efforts to support a sustainable food system and champion the use of high-quality, locally sourced British ingredients. Love British Food founder, Alexia Robinson encourages competition entries ahead of the deadline on 12 October 2025. “We’d love to hear about inspirational people, whether they’re championing British produce from farms or in schools, universities, care homes, hospitals or restaurants. Nominees could be making a tangible difference by reducing food waste, food miles, alleviating food poverty, or promoting healthy, seasonal diets. Any initiative that supports British food and encourages others to make informed food choices would make ideal candidates, so please share their stories with us.”

Get ready to savour success during British Food Fortnight. Love British Food, in partnership with Morrisons, is seeking extraordinary individuals and community groups making a real difference in their local food systems to crown the 2025 Champion of Change. The newly launched community competition is a key initiative during British Food Fortnight which runs from 26 September to 12 October. An opportunity to celebrate the people creating deeper connections to Britain’s food roots, the campaign founder, Alexia Robinson encourages people to submit competition entries. “This is an opportunity to recognise the hard work of those building a better, more sustainable food future. If you’re driving change in your community, we want to share your inspirational stories! “In 24 years of organising British Food Fortnight, one thing that consistently astounds me is the dedication of people working at a grass roots level. Anyone making a tangible difference, whether by reducing food waste, food miles, alleviating food poverty, or promoting healthy diets, any initiative that supports British food and encourages others to make informed food choices are worthy champions.” As Love British Food’s official retail partner, Morrisons, is encouraging nominations from its customers through the store’s network of community managers. Morrisons Community Manager, Joseph Clark-Bland encourages people from across the UK to get involved; “As champions of British food, we are delighted to support Love British Food’s Champion of Change competition. This is a chance to celebrate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly to make British food the first choice on every plate. The competition provides an exciting platform to recognise those having a lasting impact on their communities by developing a stronger connection with British food.” Individuals can submit their nominations online, sharing why their nominee deserves to be celebrated in no more than 500 words. The deadline is Sunday, 12 October 2025. For more information please visit: https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/community-competition