The biggest celebration of British food starts today
The UK’s much-anticipated British Food Fortnight starts today and runs from 20th September to 6th October 2024, marking its 23rd year as the nation’s leading celebration of all things British food. Set against the backdrop of the harvest season, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with activities, promotions, and celebrations taking place across the country.
This annual event, embraced by communities, retailers, and the public sector alike, is a unique opportunity to highlight the diversity and quality of British food. The fortnight is supported by local communities as well as being backed by most of the major food service organisations and the public sector meaning that schools, hospitals, universities and care homes join pubs and restaurants in celebrating British food. Morrisons is the Official Retail Partner having signed a three-year partnership with the organisers, Love British Food.
The national food celebrations launched this morning at New Covent Garden Market, London’s oldest and largest fresh produce wholesale market, fittingly marking the sale of British fruit and vegetables in the capitol since Medieval times and the 50th anniversary of the market’s move to Nine Elms.
Wanda Goldwag OBE, chair of Covent Garden Market Authority, commented: “The first day of British Food Fortnight is always a momentous day in the nation’s food calendar. This market has marked the annual event in various ways over the years but this year, we wanted to make it more of an interactive occasion and invite people to meet some of the fantastic British growers who supply wholesalers both here and around the country.”
A message from Love British Food founder, Alexia Robinson: “We are thrilled to see British Food Fortnight growing stronger each year. This celebration is about more than just food; it’s about community and sustainability. We are excited to partner with Morrisons, who have been exceptional leaders on British food and farming. Their commitment to making good food available for all aligns perfectly with our mission. With so many exciting activities planned, we hope everyone will join us in celebrating the very best of British food this British Food Fortnight.”
Highlights of British Food Fortnight 2024
Morrisons Involvement: throughout British Food Fortnight Morrisons will be celebrating the best of autumn’s British produce, meat and fish on Market Street with great value prices and in store marketing displays. In addition, the community champions that are based in all of Morrisons supermarkets and work closely with the communities surrounding each store will be rewarding local groups who focus on increasing access to fresh, seasonal British food.
Community Focus: The British Food Fortnight Community Competition, in association with Morrisons, returns to celebrate individuals and volunteer organisations making “good food available for all.” Liz Earle, wellbeing entrepreneur and broadcaster, will lead the judging panel, focusing on the availability and affordability of good food in communities.
“I have been involved in British Food Fortnight for over a decade. I love how the event inspires communities to celebrate the wonderful food we produce in this country. But the stark reality is that not everyone has access to good food. So the spotlight of this competition on the availability and affordability of good food for all is something I feel deeply strongly about, particularly in my role as Commissioner for the Social Justice Commission. I am delighted to be the lead judge. If you are an individual or organisation working hard to make ‘Good food available to all’ in your community, we want to hear from you!” stated Liz Earle MBE, wellbeing broadcaster and entrepreneur and Love British Food ambassador
“At Morrisons we love British food and are delighted to be partnering with British Food Fortnight. We share the ambition for affordable fresh food to be available to everyone – it’s one of our core values. So I’m honoured to be on the judging panel for this competition which profiles and rewards the unsung heroes in our community who are helping to ensure more people can enjoy great British food.” commented David Scott, director of morrisons corporate affairs
New Competitions: The Great British Pie Challenge, a new addition for 2024, invites school and hospital chefs to compete against hospitality chefs in creating the ultimate British pie. Judged by Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard and Master Chefs of GB’s Ben Bartlett, the competition has already garnered significant interest, particularly among hospital caterers.
Nationwide Participation: Over 3,000 schools, 10 universities, 28 hospitals and many care homes will showcase British food on their menus, promoting nutritious and sustainable eating. Leading food service organisations like Aramark, OCS, Sodexo, Chartwells and Brakes are also participating with special promotions and events.
Hard-Hitting Campaigns: During the fortnight, Love British Food will release a set of ‘wishes’ for a national food strategy, to be presented at the Labour Party Conference. Leading chefs will sign a letter highlighting supply chain challenges in sourcing British food.
National Harvest Service: The event will conclude with the National Harvest Service at Southwark Cathedral in London. This year’s service is being run in partnership with City Harvest, the food charity that redistributes 1.2 millions meals a month to those in need across London. The service takes place in a different city every year during British Food Fortnight. The Harvest Torch is travelling from Peterborough, where the service was held last year, to London. Her Majesty The Queen who instigated the National Harvest Service at Westminster Abbey in 2013, supports the service every year.
Looking Ahead
British Food Fortnight promises a dynamic program of activities designed to engage and inspire communities, businesses, and public sector organisations to embrace British food. From farm visits for NHS caterers to school menus and national competitions, the event showcases the best of British food production and the importance of making good food available for all.
