Trade body demands Government support for imminent food strategy

30-Oct-2019 - Last updated on 30-Oct-2019 at 13:45 GMT

Positive outlook: UKHospitality says sector can offer much to the new Government food strategy

UKHospitality has called on the Government to support hospitality businesses to help deliver its first National Food Strategy for 75 years.

On 27 June, the Department for Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) conducted an independent review to help the Government implement the strategy.

The purpose of the review was to address the environmental and health problems caused by the UK food system, to ensure the security of the food supply, and to maximise the benefits of the coming revolution in agricultural technology.

And, in submission to DEFRA’s call for evidence, UKHospitality has highlighted the important role that hospitality businesses can play in executing a positive National Food Strategy.

Sharing aims

UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “We share the Government’s aims of ensuring people are eating good-quality, healthy food and that the food and hospitality industries are thriving and innovative.

“A positive and effective National Food Strategy is in everyone’s best interests – for policy-makers looking to promote healthier attitudes towards food, consumers trying to do the same for themselves and their families, and the businesses that provide it.

“Food businesses play a vital role in the relationship between consumers and food, which means the hospitality sector is integral.”

UKH has urged the Government to ensure that the strategy capitalises on the growth of the sector and avoids unnecessary barriers such as additional costs or regulatory burdens.

Every step of the way

The submission highlights several areas in which hospitality businesses can help achieve the Government’s aims if they have support, including:

A positive regulatory regime
Investment in skills and training to promote careers in hospitality
Food quality and sustainability
Innovation and productivity

Nicholls continued: “A positive National Food Strategy would touch upon many aspects of regulation and business from sustainability and quality to skills and training.

“We need an all-inclusive approach that supports businesses every step of the way from farm to fork and supports hospitality businesses to deliver that vision, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the new strategy makes this happen.”