Top chef urges others to ‘buy British’

People should be more connected with where the food they eat comes from, said French Chef Raymond Blanc ahead of the launch of British Food Fortnight, which runs from 19 September to 4 October.

“This is the opportunity for producers, processors, retailers, caterers and consumers to join together in connecting more people with what they eat and drink, and increasing the opportunity at every level to choose healthy, seasonal, local produce,” Blanc said.

‘Respecting food’

“British Food Fortnight is about reconnecting with growing food, enjoying food, respecting food and celebrating food.”

Recent government research showed that about 80% of people believed buying local food was a top priority.

Vegetables (51%) and meat (40%) topped the list of products that people would buy if a local option was available, according to the research.

Better local labelling would help Brits take pride in buying British produce, as well as helping to support the growing rural economy, said environment secretary Elizabeth Truss.

“Food and drink is at the heart of British life – from top-quality seafood from the Yorkshire coats, to traditional cheeses from Cornwall and delicious gin distilled in the heart of London,” Truss said.

‘Enthusiasm for British food’

“Today’s figures highlight the enthusiasm of British consumers for our astonishing variety of local produce. I would encourage everyone to use British Food Fortnight to celebrate the diversity, quality and tradition of food and drink across the country.”

HRH the Duchess of Cornwall said: “The harvest is an act of celebration that is repeated all over the world and, I hope, is one that the people of Britain will join in with, in ever greater force, year after year.

“By observing the harvest, we are acknowledging, appreciating and supporting the exceptional work of our farmers and producers.”