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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.

Love British Food, the organisers of British Food Fortnight are calling on public sector caterers to engage with this year’s national campaign and help reconnect people with nutritious British food to build a stronger supply chain. Running from 26 September to 12 October, the annual two-week campaign, serves as a timely reminder of the public sector’s vital role in supporting the nation’s farmers, and the role of farmers and food producers in putting nutritious food on the public plate. This year’s British Food Fortnight campaign theme, ‘strengthening the roots that bind us’ aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of seasonal British produce and encourage procurement strategies that prioritise local suppliers. Founder of the initiative, Alexia Robinson is determined to build on British Food Fortnight’s 24-year heritage, putting nutrition, flavour and sustainability at the heart of this year’s celebrations. As one of the longest serving members of the Public Sector Catering Alliance, Alexia explains: “We are at a critical moment, where the need for national food security has never been greater. From local authority procurement teams to NHS chefs, we all have a role to play in driving forward a shared vision that celebrates and supports the incredible variety of food grown right here in the UK. “British food is the bond that sustains our nation — helping us grow physically, culturally, economically, and securely. By strengthening the roots in our food system, we ensure that British food remains central to our future, making the supply chain more resilient and sustainable. Together, we can empower the public sector to lead the way in driving lasting change for the good of our communities and the planet. “We’re encouraging public sector caterers to prioritise British suppliers in their procurement decisions and to make a conscious effort to seek out SMEs and regional suppliers wherever possible.” 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. ‘Grow British’ celebrates the hardworking UK farmers and the critical importance of resilient and sustainable farming practices for food security ‘Cook British’ encourages everyone to make seasonal, nutritious British food central to daily meals and menu planning for all ‘Champion British’ advocates for greater use of British produce in public institutions, businesses, and communities During a period of profound change in food, farming, and procurement policies, British Food Fortnight encourages stakeholders to promote sustainable, British food choices in all public sector settings as a key step in reducing environmental impact. Throughout the campaign, a wide range of events, promotions, and media activities will take place nationwide with 1,000’s of schools, 100’s of care homes and many hospitals and leading universities taking part every year. From digital toolkits, 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 institutions to make seasonal British food a cornerstone of their menus all year round.

Love British Food, the organisers of British Food Fortnight, are calling on pubs, bars, hospitality venues and restaurants across the UK to join this year’s national campaign and celebrate the best of British food. From 26 September to 12 October, British Food Fortnight provides an opportunity for hospitality businesses to attract customers by offering seasonal, locally sourced British dishes that showcase the vibrant flavours of the nation. As part of this year’s theme, ‘Strengthening the roots that bind us’, the campaign encourages businesses to take part by promoting British-sourced ingredients on their menus, supporting local producers and offering customers a memorable dining experience that highlights the country’s rich culinary heritage. Founder of the initiative, Alexia Robinson believes British Food Fortnight is more than a two-week celebration. “At its heart, the campaign is about bringing communities together through shared dining experiences. The hospitality sector plays a crucial role in connecting people to the origins of their food. “This year, we’re asking pubs, bars, hospitality venues and restaurants to showcase the best seasonal produce the UK has to offer. It’s an opportunity to attract customers looking for quality, locally-sourced dishes, while supporting local farmers, suppliers and getting consumers to back the hospitality sector.” This year’s British Food Fortnight campaign is built around three key pillars – Grow British, Cook British, and Champion British – which are designed to inspire hospitality businesses to make British food the focal point. ‘Grow British’ celebrates UK farmers and the importance of supporting resilient, sustainable farming practices. ‘Cook British’ encourages businesses to incorporate seasonal, nutritious British food into their menus, offering customers meals that are delicious and responsibly sourced. ‘Champion British’ advocates for the wider use of British produce in pubs, bars, and restaurants, and for promoting these dishes to customers as part of a broader commitment to sustainability and food security. Fresh Direct and Brakes, are among key partners of British Food Fortnight, and are instrumental in helping hospitality businesses source local, British ingredients. Head of customer marketing at Brakes, Cathy Amos says: “By celebrating British food, our incredible industry can not only support local suppliers but also meet growing consumer demand for sustainable, home-grown produce. British Food Fortnight is an excellent opportunity to champion seasonal specials, support national food security, and provide customers with a memorable dining experience that reflects the rich diversity of our food culture.” Businesses are encouraged to get involved by offering British-themed menus, running special promotions, and highlighting local suppliers throughout the campaign period. Participating venues can access to digital toolkits, recipe ideas, and promotional materials to help them showcase their British food offerings and increase foot traffic during the campaign.