British Food Fortnight: biggest celebration of British food starts today
20th September 2024
British Food Fortnight starts today, marking its 23rd year as the nation’s celebration of all things British food.
This year’s event, hosted between 20th September and 6th October 2024, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with activities, promotions, and celebrations taking place across the country.
The organisers, Love British Food, said that 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.
What will be happening
The organisers said that 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.
Celebration about more than just food
Wanda Goldwag OBE, chair of Covent Garden Market Authority, said: “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.”
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, added: “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
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.
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.
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.
Over 3,000 schools, 10 universities, 28 hospitals and many care homes will showcase British food on their menus, promoting nutritious and sustainable eating.
Food service organisations like Aramark, OCS, Sodexo, Chartwells and Brakes are also participating with special promotions and events.
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.
Chefs will sign a letter highlighting supply chain challenges in sourcing British food.
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 million 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.
Read more food and drink news.
