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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

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

As British Food Fortnight approaches (26 September to 12 October), food supply chain partners are joining forces to champion Love British Food’s call for businesses and consumers to ‘Make the Switch’ and choose British produce – not only during the campaign, but all year round. The pledge encourages retailers, public sector caterers, hospitality providers, and households to make small, manageable changes to their buying habits, opting for seasonal British ingredients wherever possible. This approach, say campaign supporters, can have a ripple effect – boosting food security, strengthening local supply chains, and safeguarding high welfare and environmental standards. Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food, says: “Supporting British food doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. By encouraging businesses and home cooks – to take one simple step with their food choices, we can make a lasting difference to the resilience of our food system.” Industry figures backing the pledge include the campaign’s partners Bon Culina, Brakes, Fresh Direct and Glebe Farm. Collectively, they are calling on their networks to play an active role in ensuring that British farmers’ produce reaches more plates across the UK. The campaign comes at a time when food security is under increasing scrutiny, and when the public is being urged to recognise the value of Britain’s world-class farming. By making small, conscious choices to buy British, consumers and businesses alike can invest in farm businesses, support rural communities, and create a more sustainable future for UK food and farming. British Food Fortnight is the UK’s biggest annual, national celebration of the diverse, sustainable food produced across the country.

Both British Food Fortnight (26 September – 12 October) and the National Harvest Service at Westminster Abbey (16 October), serve as important reminders of the essential role that British farming plays in our economy, communities and national security. Our farmers consistently produced world-class food. But unless there’s a clear route from farm to fork – through retail shelves, foodservice and hospitality menus – we risk undervaluing this national asset. Love British Food continues to call on businesses and consumers to pledge to ‘make the switch’ – to consciously choose British produce. While the concept of ‘buy British’ is not new, the impact of making small, manageable seasonal switches is often underestimated. Seemingly small changes can create a ripple effect, ensuring a more resilient, sustainable food system. The commitment to support British food is not an ‘all or nothing’ approach. By encouraging retailers, caterers, and consumers to take one simple step with their food choices, we can strengthen our food supply chain. At a time when food security is increasingly under scrutiny, the ‘small switch’ approach provides a realistic pathway to supporting British food and farming. It ensures that we are investing in farm businesses, while building a more sustainable food system for the future. We urge everyone to pledge to make the switch, and make a lasting difference, together. Alexia Robinson, Founder, Love British Food Andy Jones, Head of Service Development, Bon Culina Cathy Amos, Head of Customer Marketing Public Sector, Brakes James Armitage, Marketing Director, Fresh Direct Phil Rayner, Owner and MD and Jez Allman, Head of Commercial, Glebe Farm Foods Jenny Jefferies, Author, Food Columnist, Producer & Campaigner

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.

Derbyshire Catering Service is the latest public sector caterer to partner with Love British Food, ahead of this year’s British Food Fortnight which starts on 26 September. By becoming a new Food Hero of the national initiative, Derbyshire Catering Service, can access wide ranging resources and educational materials that celebrate the importance of our food roots – while advocating the value of British-sourced seasonal produce in school and care home settings. Derbyshire County Council’s commitment to sourcing 72% of its raw ingredients from British suppliers, alongside its use of only British and farm-assured meats, aligns seamlessly with Love British Food’s values and mission. The latest collaboration highlights the public sector's role in supporting British agriculture while building greater awareness of the benefits of local, seasonal produce and more sustainable supply chains. Love British Food, founder, Alexia Robinson says: “It’s great to have the Derbyshire team onboard to amplify the important message that British Food Fortnight delivers. Becoming a Food Hero is such a simple way for local authority or third sector operators to demonstrate their dedication to high quality, nutritious British grown and produced food.” A Derbyshire Catering Service spokesperson says: “We are proud to become Food Heroes and to stand alongside Love British Food in celebrating the incredible produce this country has to offer. “Supporting British farmers and local suppliers is at the heart of our mission to serve fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced meals across Derbyshire. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation about the value of British food." Derbyshire Catering Service joins Local Food Links which provide meals for 60 schools across Dorset and have been a Food Hero for the past two years. Caroline Morgan, from Local Food Links explains why the organisation proudly supports British Food Fortnight: “The celebration, which starts in late September, provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight to pupils the fantastic food that we are able to source locally. We know that pupils are very knowledgeable about environmental issues, so they will appreciate that featuring ‘Roast Dorset Gammon’ on the menu means minimal food miles, therefore food that is good for the planet as well as being delicious.” Blackpool Catering Services has participated in British Food Fortnight for four years. Its Catering Services Manager and Love British Food director, Derek Wright adds: “British Food Fortnight is a fantastic opportunity for us as a school catering service to celebrate and showcase the vital work we do in bringing the farm-to-fork journey to life every day. “In Blackpool, we take great pride in supporting local supply chains, working closely with our regional wholesaler to ensure we are backing British farmers and producers wherever possible. British Food Fortnight allows us to highlight this commitment to our schools and the wider community across the town.”

Love British Food the organisers of British Food Fortnight are calling on the retail sector to engage with this year’s national campaign to reconnect people with the food that feeds them. The annual two-week campaign runs from 26 September to 12 October. Serving as a timely reminder of farmers’ vital role in securing the nation’s food supply. This year’s British Food Fortnight theme, ‘strengthening the roots that bind us’ aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of seasonal British produce and increase accessibility for all. Alexia Robinson, Love British Food founder is determined to put farming back at the heart of this year’s celebrations. “Our aim is to ignite a movement that reconnects people with where their food comes from and, most importantly, with the people who make British food possible. At a time when food security and the long-term sustainability of the farming sector are hanging in the balance, this campaign is dedicated to promoting those working day-in, day-out to nourish the nation.” This year’s campaign focuses on three key pillars – Grow British, Cook British, and Champion British with grassroots activity targeting consumers, hospitality and public sector catering. Morrisons, the lead retail partner of British Food Fortnight, expressed their commitment to supporting UK agriculture by motivating customers to embrace homegrown produce. David Scott, Morrisons Corporate Affairs Director comments; “As a champion of British food, Morrisons is proud to be the lead retail partner for British Food Fortnight. Our customers value fresh, seasonal British ingredients, and through this campaign, we want to inspire more people to explore the incredible variety and quality available from UK farmers and producers. Supporting British agriculture where possible is essential to building a sustainable and resilient food future, and this campaign perfectly aligns with those goals.”  Throughout British Food Fortnight, a wide range of events, promotions, and media activities will take place nationwide. From Morrisons community competition, The National Harvest Festival Service at Westminster Abbey, and cookery demonstrations to collaborations with schools, universities, care homes and hospitals, the campaign aims to educate, engage, and empower consumers to make British food a cornerstone of their lives all year round.