Food Fortnight a success for pubs

The first British Food Fortnight has been declared a big success by organisers the Countryside Alliance.More than 15 million people took part in the...

The first British Food Fortnight has been declared a big success by organisers the Countryside Alliance.

More than 15 million people took part in the promotional fortnight, with 550 pubs and restaurants and 500 retailers supporting the campaign.

The event ran from October 26 until November 10 and involved several different initiatives.

The British Beer and Pub Association, the British Hospitality Association and the Campaign for Real Food were all involved in promoting the best of British food and drink over the two weeks.

The BBPA held a British Beer and Cider Day to encourage drinkers to choose British while London-brewer Fuller's took part in a Fishing 4 Food initiative to raise awareness of UK fish.

Other events throughout the fortnight included host a roast day on October 26 and a national breakfast in bed day on November 3.

Countryside Alliance chief executive Richard Burge said: "The success of this first British Food Fortnight has, in my opinion, been largely down to the renaissance British produce is currently enjoying among consumers who are more aware than ever of what they are eating.

"We are all delighted at how many people have supported us - the figures speak for themselves. Indeed, the whole fortnight has been a very impressive numbers game and has done wonders for the profile of all the diverse and delicious produce Britain produces."

Next year's promotion has been given the go-ahead and will be even bigger with more events planned. It will run from September 20 until October 5.

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