British Food Fortnight is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of home-grown food and drink. In 2025 it runs from Friday 26 September to Sunday 12 October, aligning with the traditional harvest season and inviting households, schools, chefs, retailers, public-sector caterers and communities to champion British producers. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
This year’s campaign theme — “strengthening the roots that bind us” — focuses on reconnecting people with farmers and seasonal British produce, while encouraging practical changes in how we buy, cook and serve food. Expect toolkits, competitions, tasting events, farm visits, school resources and special menus across the UK. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
Whether you’re planning a classroom project, a village harvest supper, a supermarket activation, a hospital menu refresh or simply a fortnight of better shopping habits at home, this complete guide gives you dates, background, actions, menu ideas and checklists to make British Food Fortnight 2025 your best yet.
What is British Food Fortnight?
British Food Fortnight is the flagship celebration organised by Love British Food, a nationwide campaign that promotes choosing British food year-round. The Fortnight takes place every autumn, coinciding with Harvest Festival, when communities have traditionally come together to share food and give thanks for the harvest. lovebritishfood.co.uk
The modern initiative was created by Alexia Robinson in the early 2000s and has grown into a national movement spanning schools, councils, retailers, hospitality and public-sector caterers. Facebook
When is British Food Fortnight 2025?
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Dates: Friday 26 September – Sunday 12 October 2025
These are the official dates (you may see different dates on third-party calendar sites; always follow the organiser’s listing from Love British Food). lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
2025 Theme: “Strengthening the Roots that Bind Us”
This year emphasises:
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Reconnecting consumers and farmers — shining a light on where food comes from, the work behind it, and fair value in the chain. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Seasonal, local choices — making “the switch” to British produce in supermarkets, procurement and hospitality, not just for two weeks but all year. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
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Public-sector leadership — hospitals, schools, universities and care settings are urged to “Champion British” in menus and procurement. hospitalcaterers.org
Who takes part?
Everyone is invited — and there are targeted resources for different groups:
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Households & communities: pop-ups, village feasts, “harvest suppers,” local producer trails and community competitions (including the 2025 Champion of Change search). lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Schools & colleges: Teacher Zone packs, assemblies, food miles lessons, garden projects and cook-along ideas, endorsed and widely used across the UK. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Retail & suppliers: From 2024, Morrisons partnered with Love British Food as the exclusive retail partner, activating in-store and online during the Fortnight; other suppliers such as Fresh Direct have also partnered with the campaign. The Grocer+2Grocery Trader+2
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Hospitality & chefs: Fortnight-long specials, “meet the producer” nights, seasonal British set menus and recipe showcases.
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Public-sector caterers: Catering teams in the NHS, education, local government and the Armed Forces use the Fortnight to refresh menus and buying policies towards local, seasonal supply. hospitalcaterers.org
Note on branding: British Food Fortnight and Love British Food names and logos are trademarked and require permission or partnership for promotional use. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Why British Food Fortnight matters (for people, planet & prosperity)
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It boosts UK food security and local supply chains. Choosing seasonal, home-grown produce supports British farms and processors, helps safeguard capacity, and reduces risk from global shocks. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
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It reduces food miles and focuses on seasonal eating. Seasonal British options often carry a lower transport footprint and can be fresher, tastier and more nutritious. sustainablefoodplaces.org
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It strengthens communities and skills. From school cookery to village market days, the Fortnight revives food traditions and builds culinary confidence for young people. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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It sets procurement standards. Public-sector menus can catalyse demand for British ingredients — a powerful lever for change across thousands of daily meals. sustainablefoodplaces.org
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It’s a positive story for business. Retailers, caterers and hospitality brands can differentiate with provenance-led storytelling and seasonal limited editions, while supporting UK producers. lovebritishfood.co.uk
A practical timeline: plan your British Food Fortnight in 5 steps
1) Set an objective (this week).
Pick a focus: e.g., “Increase British-origin menu items by 30%,” “Engage 500 pupils in a seasonal challenge,” or “Sell 1,000 portions of a farm-to-fork special.”
2) Map your supply.
List British products you can source easily; identify gaps; speak to wholesalers, butchers, fishmongers, farm shops and markets. If you’re in the public sector, align with procurement frameworks that prioritise local and seasonal. hospitalcaterers.org
3) Design your activation.
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Households: meal plan (see ideas below), farm visit, “taste a county” nights.
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Schools: assembly + food miles lesson + garden harvest; invite a local grower. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Hospitality: 2–3 signature dishes with provenance call-outs; a supplier meet-and-greet.
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Retail: front-of-store seasonal display; QR codes linking to producer stories.
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Communities: market trail with a passport stamp, culminating in a harvest supper.
4) Communicate.
Use #BritishFoodFortnight and #LoveBritishFood on social; share “behind the scenes” from farms and kitchens; publish short videos about seasonal swaps. (Logos/marks require permission.) lovebritishfood.co.uk
5) Measure & keep it going.
Track participation, sales and impact (e.g., British-origin spend). Keep 2–3 winning dishes or suppliers on menus year-round — this is the heart of the “Make the Switch” pledge. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
Seasonal British produce (late September – mid-October)
Use this quick guide to build menus rooted in peak-season UK ingredients.
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Vegetables: beetroot, carrots, celeriac, courgettes, kale, leeks, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, potatoes, pumpkins & squash, spinach, swede, turnips.
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Fruit: apples, blackberries, pears, plums, damsons, elderberries.
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Dairy & eggs: British farmhouse cheeses (Cheddar, Stilton, Wensleydale, Caerphilly, Lancashire, Somerset Brie), cultured butter, free-range eggs.
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Fish & seafood: mackerel, hake, haddock, mussels, native oysters (check local seasons/areas).
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Meat & game: beef, lamb, pork, chicken; venison, partridge, grouse (region/season permitting).
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Grains & bakery: oatcakes, soda bread, wholemeal loaves, barley, spelt; classic puddings.
A 14-day British Food Fortnight menu plan (home or hospitality)
Day 1 (Fri 26 Sep): Yorkshire ale-braised beef shin with mashed Maris Piper potatoes; buttered kale.
Day 2: Cornish mackerel with beetroot & horseradish, new potatoes, watercress.
Day 3: Welsh rarebit on sourdough; apple & blackberry crumble with custard.
Day 4: Roast pork with crackling, cider gravy, roasted parsnips and Bramley apple sauce.
Day 5: Autumn veg cottage pie (veggie); red cabbage & pearl barley salad.
Day 6: Scottish mussels steamed with leeks and cream; soda bread.
Day 7: Sunday roast lamb, mint sauce, roasties, carrots, savoy cabbage.
Day 8: Lancashire hotpot; pickled red cabbage.
Day 9: Cheddar & leek tart; mixed leaf salad with rapeseed oil dressing.
Day 10: North Sea haddock fishcakes; mushy peas and tartare.
Day 11: Gamekeeper’s stew (venison & root veg) or mushroom & chestnut pie (veg).
Day 12: Staffordshire oatcakes with smoked bacon & mushrooms; pear & almond tart.
Day 13: Cauliflower cheese “steaks,” grilled; warm beet & apple slaw.
Day 14 (Sun 12 Oct): Harvest supper buffet: pork pies, Scotch eggs, cheeses, chutneys, apple cake.
Tip for venues: Print a mini-map of Britain next to your menu highlighting the county/region of origin for key ingredients (cheese, meat, apples, rapeseed oil). This provenance storytelling is marketing gold.
Classroom & youth group ideas (EYFS to KS4)
Build a week of cross-curricular activities around the Teacher Zone resources and your local context:
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Science & geography: “Food miles” mapping vs seasonal availability; seed-to-plate timelines; soil health. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Maths: Recipe scaling; cost comparisons between imported vs seasonal British baskets.
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English: Producer interviews; write profiles of a local farm, fishery or cheesemaker.
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Art & design: Design a British Food Fortnight poster (remember: event logos need permission). lovebritishfood.co.uk
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DT & food tech: Cook a 3-course seasonal menu; hold a “British bake” contest.
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Community: Invite parents to a tasting evening; set up a pop-up stall for school-garden produce.
Community & council playbook
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Host a “Taste of [Your Town]” market trail. Create a passport card with stamps from participating traders; complete the trail to enter a draw for a hamper of local goods.
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Run a harvest supper. Long tables, bring-and-share dishes with a British ingredients theme; invite a local grower to speak.
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Stage a skills swap. Butchery basics, filleting fish, sourdough starters, chutney-making.
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Nominate a local Champion of Change. Spotlight individuals or groups improving access to good British food. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Hospitality & foodservice: a rapid activation kit
Menu engineering & pricing
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Feature 3–5 seasonal British “heroes” (e.g., Yorkshire rhubarb in spring; here in autumn, think apples, game, brassicas).
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Build high-impact, low-waste sides from trimmings (cauli leaves, beet tops).
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Create one signature dessert using British apples or pears — easy margin win.
Procurement & provenance
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Add a provenance line under each dish (“Northumbrian lamb • Hexhamshire carrots”).
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Work with suppliers who can trace back to UK farms; embed this in staff briefings.
Marketing & comms
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Share short-form videos from your kitchen and your farmers; use #BritishFoodFortnight.
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Train servers to answer “What’s British about this dish?” in one sentence.
Public-sector notes
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Use the Fortnight to pilot British-origin swaps in standard recipes (e.g., rapeseed oil, seasonal greens). This aligns with the campaign ask for procurement to prioritise local suppliers. hospitalcaterers.org
Retail & farm shops: merchandising that moves
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Front-of-store seasonal table: apples by variety, British cheeses, chutneys, oatcakes.
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QR stories: scan for a 30-second orchard or dairy clip; add “Meet the Producer” shelf barkers.
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Bundle & save: “Sunday Roast Kit,” “Harvest Pudding Kit,” “British Cheeseboard for 4.”
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Cross-promote with partners: If you’re a national chain, align with Love British Food assets as permitted under partnership (Morrisons does this at scale). The Grocer+1
How to verify British origin (and signal quality)
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Red Tractor and other assurance marks indicate UK farming standards.
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Protected Name schemes (PDO/PGI/TSG) help you identify bona fide British specialities (e.g., West Country Farmhouse Cheddar PDO, Melton Mowbray Pork Pies PGI, Welsh Lamb PGI, Arbroath Smokies PGI).
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Fish & shellfish: check landing ports and seasons; ask suppliers to trace to UK waters where applicable.
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Dairy & eggs: look for UK farm codes and county-named producers; showcase farmhouse cheeses.
The “Make the Switch” pledge in practice
The campaign’s call-to-action encourages simple, permanent swaps:
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Home cooks: Replace one imported staple a week with a British equivalent (e.g., switch to UK rapeseed oil; try British pulses like fava beans; choose UK apples over imports).
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Hospitality: Commit to two British-origin seasonal dishes that remain on the menu year-round, flexing the garnish seasonally.
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Public sector: Write a seasonal sourcing policy and refresh specs to prioritise local suppliers where feasible — then measure British spend quarterly. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
20 quick-win event ideas (pick 3–5)
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Apple-variety tasting bar
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Cheeseboard masterclass (British PDOs)
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“Meet the Grower” Q&A (live or on video)
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“Build a Roast” bundle (retail)
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School “taste the rainbow” veg challenge
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Fish Friday with UK species
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“Tour of the Isles” gin/beer flight
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Game night with supplier talk
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Jam-and-chutney swap meet
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British bread table (oatcakes, baps, bloomers, soda breads)
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Zero-waste cook-along (peels to pickles)
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Producer passport trail
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Local honey spotlight
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British pulses curry night
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Foraged fruit crumble bar
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Potato variety challenge
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Vegan British harvest menu
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Kids’ lunchbox revamp week
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Staff canteen British breakfast week
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Community harvest supper with charity raffle
Media & compliance notes
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Branding permissions: Using the Love British Food or British Food Fortnight logo, or running activity “in association with” the campaign, requires permission or partnership. Plan ahead if you need official marks in marketing materials. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Dates cross-check: If external calendars list different dates, defer to the official organiser’s published timetable (26 Sep–12 Oct 2025). lovebritishfood.co.uk
FAQs
What are the official dates for British Food Fortnight 2025?
26 September to 12 October 2025. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Who organises it?
Love British Food coordinates the campaign nationally and provides resources, toolkits and competitions. lovebritishfood.co.uk
What’s the 2025 theme?
“Strengthening the roots that bind us” — reconnecting consumers with UK farmers and seasonal produce, with a push for long-term behaviour change. lovebritishfood.co.uk
How can schools take part?
Use the Teacher Zone packs for assemblies, lessons and cookery activities; many schools run tasting sessions, garden harvests and producer visits. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Are there competitions?
Yes — the Champion of Change community competition highlights people and groups driving positive change by growing, cooking or championing British food. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Can we use the official logos on our posters?
The campaign and related logos are trademarked; you’ll need permission or a partnership arrangement to use them. lovebritishfood.co.uk
Which retailers are involved?
Morrisons is the campaign’s exclusive retail partner under a multi-year agreement launched in 2024; other industry partners also support the Fortnight. The Grocer+1
What about public-sector caterers?
The Fortnight is a springboard for Champion British initiatives in hospitals, schools and councils, including procurement policies that favour seasonal UK suppliers. hospitalcaterers.org
Ready-to-use copy blocks (web or social)
Website blurb (80–100 words):
Join us for British Food Fortnight (26 Sep–12 Oct), the UK’s biggest annual celebration of home-grown food and drink. This year we’re “strengthening the roots that bind us” — reconnecting with local farmers, seasonal produce and great British flavours. Explore our fortnight specials, meet local suppliers and enjoy menus that reduce food miles while supporting UK producers. Follow along on social with #BritishFoodFortnight and discover how simple swaps can make a lasting difference.
Instagram caption:
It’s #BritishFoodFortnight! We’re celebrating seasonal British produce and the people who grow it. Taste our harvest specials, meet local suppliers and make the switch to British ingredients — not just this fortnight, but all year. #LoveBritishFood
Sample press release template (hospitality/retail)
Headline: [Business] launches seasonal British menus for British Food Fortnight 2025 (26 Sep–12 Oct)
Body (adapt):
[Business] is celebrating British Food Fortnight, the UK’s national festival of home-grown food and drink, with a two-week programme of seasonal menus, producer showcases and community events. This year’s campaign theme — “strengthening the roots that bind us” — highlights the connection between consumers and UK farmers and encourages simple, lasting swaps to British ingredients. Highlights include [dish/event], [supplier visit], and [community activity]. Join us to support local producers, reduce food miles and rediscover classic British flavours. Media enquiries: [contact].
(If you plan to use official campaign branding, obtain permission before artwork goes live.) lovebritishfood.co.uk
Keep the momentum after 12 October
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Lock in 2–3 permanent British seasonal dishes.
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Maintain quarterly British-origin spend targets with suppliers.
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Keep telling producer stories across your channels.
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Plan a winter seasonal push (Brassicas! Root veg! British oysters!).
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Re-engage your school/community group with a spring planting project.
Key takeaways
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Dates: 26 Sep–12 Oct 2025 (official). lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Theme: Strengthen connections to farmers; make seasonal British choices stick year-round. lovebritishfood.co.uk
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Where to start: Use Love British Food resources (especially for schools and public-sector teams), plan one high-impact activity per audience, and measure your British-origin impact. lovebritishfood.co.uk+1
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Branding: Logos and marks require permission/partnership. lovebritishfood.co.uk
