News

Launched in May, Love British Food’s podcast Get Seasonal is continuing to voice the importance of generating greater demand for UK produce with the release of its second summer edition. Made by chefs for chefs, the podcast aims to highlight the importance of supporting British produce within the food service and hospitality industries and promotes sustainable, British-sourced produce. This episode, hosted by Ian Nottage, head of food development at Fresh Direct, and Graeme Collie, executive chef at King’s College London, features two new guests and one returning. They discuss more about the importance of seasonality in our British menus and how we can maximise the ingredients we have on our doorsteps. The first guest is Jon Hammond, a fourth-generation farmer from Hammonds farm in Nottinghamshire, highlighting challenges faced by British farmers. He discusses climate concerns, and the balance needed between soil health and sustainability with larger scale operations to meet consumer demands. Lecturer and game expert, Jose Souto, from Westminster Kingsway College, talks about the myths surrounding wild meats. He explains that each variety has different sustainable and ethical implications, as well as requiring distinct handling and preparation methods when it comes to maintaining flavour and quality. Colin Wheeler James, founder of the Ground Up Cookery School, returns by popular demand to share his insights into creative uses of foraged ingredients. His segment focuses on pairing them with game, and highlights the sustainability benefits of using local, seasonal, and wild ingredients. The key takeaway is clear - we should celebrate the best of British produce when it is fresh and in-season. For anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons, the Love British Food Get Seasonal podcast is available now on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, or listen on the Love British Food website.

Love British Food has hosted its tenth on-farm training event for public sector food professionals at Courteenhall Estate, expanding the number of change makers to 214 people, all inspired to champion British produce.

Love British Food announces the launch of its new podcast for chefs, Get Seasonal.

Love British Food announces its tenth on-farm training event for public sector food professionals, showcasing how sustainable British produce can enhance nutrition, meet procurement standards, and support local economies. Taking place on Tuesday 10 June at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire, the event is being hosted by the British Farming Awards Sustainable Farmer of 2024, Dr Johnny Wake. Dr. Wake left a career in medicine to focus on transforming his family farm into a leading example of regenerative farming. He will guide a tour of the Estate, showcasing the sustainable practices shaping British agriculture. Delegates can expect practical insights and an opportunity to share learning with their peers, as Dr Wake explores the vital relationships in the food chain and their link to student / patient wellbeing. From sustainably managing land to produce low-impact, nutritious food, to the positive outcomes this has for health – both for people and the environment. “We’re looking forward to welcoming Love British Food to Courteenhall,” says Dr Wake. “We’re keen to promote healthy eating and a connection with food and where it comes from by providing tangible example of how responsible land stewardship, sustainability, and holistic living can be seamlessly integrated into daily life.” With the upcoming Government Buying Standards for public sector procurement, this unique training day offers a timely opportunity to learn how to align with policies that prioritise nutritious, sustainably farmed British food—driving economic growth and supporting public health. The event will also introduce the new partnership between Love British Food and Food for Life, aimed at promoting good food in schools, hospitals and care settings. This visit is part of Love British Food’s national programme promoting British food within the public sector. After successfully completing nine farm visits, this tenth event will inspire even more caterers to champion locally sourced, environmentally sustainable, and nutritionally superior food. Alexia Robinson, Love British Food Founder, says: “Simply put, food grown in a way that Johnny advocates for, not only enhances the environment it is often more nutritious. It plays a vital role in helping students thrive, patients recover, and our local communities and economies to flourish.” Learn more about Love British Food’s farm visit programme here: Farm Visits for Caterers Event notes: Cost including farm tour, lunch, and training materials: £50 for NACC and TUCO members £95 for non-members How to book: NACC members: Email Neel.Radia@thenacc.co.uk TUCO members: Email Sarah.McLoughlin@tuco.ac.uk Or online at https://www.tuco.ac.uk/academy/professional-development/development-day/love-british-food-training-day Other organisations: Email alexiarobinson@lovebritishfood.co.uk Location details: Courteenhall Estate, Northamptonshire, NN7 2QD Visit the Courteenhall Estate Website Agenda: 10.30am - Arrival with tea/coffee and introductions 11.00am - Guided farm tour led by Dr Johnny Wake, showcasing regenerative farming practices 1.00pm - Working lunch and group discussion covering: Building robust, local supply chains How sustainable food supports net zero goals Improving nutrition and health outcomes Menu planning around seasonal produce Managing cost challenges Community benefits of sourcing British Love British Food's national programme of farm visits and support 3.00pm - Closing remarks (the day will conclude by 3.30pm) Listen: Dr Wake, recently appeared on BBC Radio 4 discussing the future of food and farming. Listen to his interview here: BBC Radio 4 Interview

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.

Love British Food is delighted to announce that its unique podcast series has been shortlisted for the prestigious Marketing Award at the 2025 Public Sector Catering Awards, marking a significant recognition just one year after its launch. Led by Derek Wright, Director of Love British Food and Head of Catering at Blackpool Local Authority, and expertly edited by Georgina Wright, the podcast has quickly gained recognition for tackling some of the most pressing and complex issues in the UK food supply chain. Since its debut, the Love British Food podcast has featured engaging and thought-provoking conversations with voices from across the sector, including caterers, farmers, chefs, procurement leads, educators and public sector leaders. Episodes have explored everything from sustainability and supply chain resilience to the challenges of delivering nutritious British food in schools and hospitals. Each episode concludes with a popular seasonal food feature led by Ben Bartlett, Director of Love British Food and Director of Master Chefs GB, highlighting the importance and versatility of local seasonal British ingredients. Episodes start with an update from our resident farmer, Sam Mallinson who is a 3rd generation arable farmer from Lancashire. Sam shares monthly updates about his family farm in Lancashire. Commenting on the news, Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food, said: “This shortlisting is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the energy, honesty and passion that goes into every episode. Huge congratulations to Derek and Georgina, our Farmer-in-Residence Sam, and of course Ben Bartlett for creating something truly original. These podcasts are the first to really cover the full farm-to-fork journey, through insightful conversations with the people who keep our food system going. We’re proud to be giving them a platform.” The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24th April at the Hilton London Metropole, where winners will be revealed in a celebration of excellence across the public sector catering landscape. Podcast links:  https://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/podcasts

Love British Food and No Farmers, No Food are delighted to announce a partnership dedicated to promoting British farmers. Together, they will champion initiatives to ensure British food is the primary choice in public institutions and push for fair supermarket pricing that reflects the true value of our farmers' hard work.

Love British Food, the leading organisation promoting British food at grassroots and industry levels, is delighted to announce the appointment of Cathy Amos as Non-Executive Director. Cathy, who currently holds the position of Head of Customer Marketing at Brakes, is celebrated for her extensive experience in the food service sector, particularly within the public sector which is integral to Love British Food's mission. Cathy Amos has devoted her career to the food and hospitality industry, with a focus over the last decade on supporting caterers in public and care settings. At Brakes, she leads a team of development chefs who specialise in these sectors. She has also collaborated closely with leading contract caterers and various public sector bodies, including PSC, LACA, TUCO, NACC, and the HCA. She joins other non-executive directors: Derek Wright (Blackpool Catering), Tim Radcliffe (NHS England) and Ben Bartlett (Master Chefs GB).

Soil Associations’ Food for Life and Love British Food join forces to amplify the need for British food to be accessible for all Two leading food campaigning organisations have joined forces to champion the importance of buying British in public sector settings. Soil Association’s Food for Life and Love British Food will support each other’s mission for good food for all in the public sector, hospitality and beyond. [EB1] With a deep synergy between both organisations', together they will advocate for shorter, more sustainable supply chains to make British food a central part of schools, hospitals and other settings. “We are delighted that Food for Life’s sustainable catering team has approached Love British Food proposing that we collaborate to further both our organisation’s activities. I am excited in particular that Food for Life schools will now be invited to take part in British Food Fortnight, joining the hundreds of schools that already run special menus for children during the national food celebrations.” Alexia Robinson, CEO, Love British Food It’s a great time to join forces with Love British Food to amplify the work that both charities are doing to put more fresh, minimally processed, British food on the plates of the nation. We look forward to collaborating with each other to strengthen our combined calls for change across the food industry and support caterers and suppliers to access our homegrown produce. Amit Dattani, Director of Healthy and Sustainable Diets, Soil Association Notes to editors: Food for Life – Founded in 2003 has been running for over 20 years to make good food accessible for all. A Soil Association programme working directly with caterers, schools, and communities to implement sustainable and lasting change within the broken food system. Food for Life Served Here is the sustainable catering certification run by the Soil Association. It currently has certified caterers in over 6500 schools across the UK. Food for Life Schools Award empowers schools to build solutions that reach beyond the school canteen through the pioneering whole school approach. Focusing on system wide change and supporting people and communities to understand how to advocate for improved access to, and education around, good food. Currently operating in over 600 schools in England. The Soil Association is a leading sustainable food and farming charity. Since 1946 the organisation has impacted millions of people, creating practical, nature-based solutions to recover climate, nature and health through sustainable and regenerative food, farming and forestry. Promoting the connection between people, food, and the natural world, lobbying government on key environmental policies, helping to serve millions of certified school meals and engaging thousands in farmer-led research. Love British Food Love British Food was founded by Alexia Robinson in 2002. It is the leading voice promoting British food in communities around the country, working at grassroot and industry level. Its work focuses on creating a vibrant domestic market for British food that gives farmers and producers the confidence to invest and ensure our food security, enabling sustainable supply chains that make good food available for all. It is the organiser of British Food Fortnight, the national food celebration that reaches millions every autumn. 1,000s of shops, pubs, restaurants and communities, large and small, take part. Love British Food’s activities aim to make quality British food available to all sectors of society. It is a uniquely trusted voice in the public sector, where Love British Food has become an established promotion in schools, universities, hospitals, care homes. As part of this, it is the longest serving representative of the British food industry on the Public Sector Catering Alliance; working to ensure British food is the first supplier of choice. It runs a national programme of farm visits for caterers, giving them a new appreciation of the value of British food to the supply chain. To date it has hosted 193 NHS caterers on 9 farm visits. And it facilitates working groups of public sector chefs providing the industry with a knowledge exchange platform. It has a long association with the education sector having published the first guide to teaching food and cookery within the national curriculum: ‘Putting the Ooo back into Food’, endorsed by the Department of Health and Department for Education and Skills. Distributed to 35,000 schools, this established British Food Fortnight as a core event on the school calendar. Hundreds of teachers and school catering teams have taken part in the event over the years. Love British Food has a very active social media presence and a Love British Food farm to fork podcast. It launches a new series for chefs in 20245: Get Seasonal with Love British Food, aiming to help chefs buy British more easily through the wholesale sector. Further information: E: alexiarobinson@lovebritishfood.co.uk W: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk