Figures revealed that the campaign resonated with more young people than ever, demonstrated by a hike in social media numbers.
A new collaboration with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs saw members posting hundreds of messages of support on social media and displaying the #BritishFoodisGreat banner.
Organised and run by Love British Food founder Alexia Robinson, British Food Fortnight saw large and small foodservice operators taking part in various ways.
Robinson said: “British Food Fortnight is a campaign that resonates with the pub and restaurant industry and becoming increasingly on the agenda within public sector organisations from schools and universities to hospitals and care homes. Hundreds of outlets took part this year with the likes of Sodexo, Brakes and Cucina leading the way. And, not forgetting the great British public who now more than ever want to see British food on the menu.”
LACA (Local Authority Catering Association) and schools catering organisations such as Cucina and Sodexo encouraged schools to serve British meals, and over 2 million were served across schools, universities, hospitals, care homes and corporates during the Fortnight and over 240,000 school kids took part from visiting local farms, tasting local seasonal foods to specially created classroom activities.
The National Association of Care Catering (NACC), representing hundreds of care home across the country, made British food a key topic at their annual conference, which took place during the Fortnight.
This year a specially designed NHS/Love British Food logo was created to pay tribute to all those catering in hospitals that go that extra mile to put local, healthy, seasonal foods on patient menus.
Many well-known celebrities joined in, including celebrity chef James Martin and Countryfile presenter and farmer Adam Henson.
The banner was displayed at the farm gate, in local schools, pubs, restaurants and organisations along the supply chain, all contributing to engagement levels.
Sponsored by the Co-op, British Food Fortnight ran from 22 September – 8 October. It’s an annual event celebrating all that is great about British food and it brings together organisations and individuals.
In addition, some of the nation’s best-loved chefs were involved, including long-time supporter Raymond Blanc and his son Olivier and Michelin starred chef, Phil Howard.
Well-being writer and farmer, Liz Earle and Candice Brown, former winner of Great British Bake-Off, also supported the campaign with promotional videos, competitions hosted on social media, demonstrations and talks up and down the country.