The survey of 2,000 people, which was commissioned by Young’s Seafood, revealed a growing trend towards the importance of buying British.
The research also highlighted that six in 10 would say British cuisine was ‘the best in the world’, while nearly half of respondents said eating British food reminds them of their childhood.
Dishes that are often on offer in pubs, including fish and chips, roast chicken and shepherd’s pie, make the top 10 line-up of favourite British meals, with 60% labelling British food as ‘traditional and comforting’.
Made in Britain
The results inspired Young’s to join the Made in Britain organisation, which allows them to use the ‘Made in Britain’ marque on relevant material.
The marque is designed to help consumers quickly and easily recognise British-made products and is accredited to businesses that make and sell goods, which have been manufactured or have undergone a final substantial change in Great Britain before going on the market.
Young’s Foodservice director Adrian Greaves outlined how joining up with Made in Britain highlighted the importance of buying British food.
He said: “This research has been particularly valuable in highlighting the consumer’s preference for British-made products."
Buy British
Greaves added: “As such we want to encourage chefs, caterers and operators in foodservice to buy British food, which not only supports the British economy and environment, but also gives their customers exactly what they are looking for.
“By partnering with the Made in Britain organisation, we aim to highlight how buying British will reflect positively from a customer’s point of view too.”
Meanwhile, research from purchasing company Beacon found that half of UK diners would be willing to pay more for food with British provenance.
Beacon managing director Paul Connelly said there was a trend for “British patriotism” among diners, with a preference to buy closer to home.