Millions of new customers are being invited to enjoy the health and taste benefits of UK food thanks to British Food Fortnight which begins on 23 September.

"The organisations supporting British Food Fortnight buy more food than all the supermarkets put together," says organiser Alexia Robinson.

More than 40 organisations, 43,000 shops, 11,500 pubs and more than 40,000 restaurants are supporting this year's promotion.

Steve Schaffer, catering development manager at Punch Taverns, which operates 9000 leased and tenanted pubs throughout the UK said: "British Food Fortnight is helping to raise awareness of the great taste of British vegetables, fruit, cheeses and meat."

Andrew Tomson, catering manager at Sheffield Hospitals, is planning to serve all British meat and local vegetables to 6000 patients, visitors and staff at three hospitals during the promotion. "Our customers much prefer eating local beef from the Sheffield and Derbyshire area rather than beef from Argentina."

Devon rural retailer Malcolm Bodell will be another enthusiastic supporter of the campaign after last year's event added £1000 a week to his annual turnover. "There's no doubt it helps people realise what great food is produced in this country," says Mr Bodell who operates the Londis store at Bow near Crediton, Devon.

Bristish Food Fortnight is sponsored by Aramark, Budgens, Londis and Nationwide.

For more information visit www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk