Our industry owes a debt of gratitude to a number of organisations and events, all of which have helped alert British consumers to the benefits of buying home produced food. Cynics would probably say the changes in public opinion in favour of what we produce have been consolidated by the fall in the value of sterling that makes imports more expensive.
That broad point cannot be denied but never forget government policy was leading to increased imports and reduced self sufficiency until recently and our home grown promotional bodies have worked magnificently to try to reverse that situation. Currency changes have merely made food buyers appreciate local food more.
The Red Tractor has played its part and LEAF, of course, in which I declare and interest. But one of the most successful campaigns has been British Food Fortnight (BFF), now in its eighth year, which runs this year from Sept 19th to Oct 4th.
From a standing start back then Alexia Robinson and her team have worked tirelessly to promote British food to British people. This year all the major supermarkets are running special promotions and there will be the widest and greatest support for the concept from the food industry since the project began.
And its not just retailers who are taking part. Most of the big food service catering organisations will be involved as well and are planning special BFF menu's. Several major pub chains are participating as well as high profile public venues like Wembley Stadium, the Cabinet Office, John Lewis, the National Trust, the BBC, and even the fictional Grey Gables hotel in The Archers where they will be serving British Food, as will The Farmers Club in Whitehall, London.
So, thanks Alexia for what you have done and will keep on doing, I hope. I for one will be looking out for special menu's whenever I eat out during the fortnight and complementing the chefs when appropriate in the hope that they carry on cooking British when this years Fortnight is over.