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British
Food Fortnight
19th
September - 4th October 2009
Running from 19th September to
4th October and now in its eighth year, British Food Fortnight is the
biggest national celebration of the diverse and delicious range of
food that Britain produces. Every year, pubs, restaurants, tourism
attractions, public sector restaurants and food-service organisations
take part, all enjoying the commercial benefits that participation
brings. Many of the largest food service organisations and major pub
groups regularly run British promotions during the event.
Caterers large and small have
benefited from participation in the national food promotion. Michel
Nijsten from the Albright Hussey Manor Hotel says: "We
participated in British Food Fortnight last year. It was very
successful and we haven't stopped the menu ever since!"
Large food service organisations report similar success; Val Carter,
Director of ARAMARK, sponsors of the event, says: "Sales of
certain British lines have increased by more than 80% since we've
taken part in British Food Fortnight." The event has also
been a hit in the public sector; Sue Edridge, Food Development
Manager, Oxfordshire County Council, comments: "Schools in
Oxfordshire had a fantastically successful British Food Fortnight -
the number of children eating school meals doubled in some schools!"
Organiser of the event,
Alexia Robinson, adds: "British food has become a competitive
arena for the catering sector. Nearly all the major food service
organisations now take part in the national food promotion, as do
many of their suppliers. Clients of the catering sector want British,
simple as that. So with British food hot on the agenda for private
and public sector food service providers, the prize for those who
source it and promote it, rather than pay lip service, will be huge."
Catering establishments taking
part in British Food Fortnight have proved that buying British is
affordable, adds real value to profits and is a powerful way to
differentiate themselves from the competition. The buzz of the
national food promotion makes it an attractive time to experiment
with new suppliers, explore alternative supply chains or, if you
already source British, to shout about the fact that you do.
The Fortnight is also an
opportunity to teach the next generation how to cook. The event's
initiative inviting chefs to work with schools to teach children how
to cook is the largest volunteer movement educating children about
food with organisations representing over 9,000 chefs taking part.
Pubs and restaurants are advised
to use British Food Fortnight to increase Christmas bookings: pubs
and restaurants offering special menus during the event report an
increase in bookings as the Fortnight is an opportunity to give
customers confidence in the quality of food they can expect.
Caterers and food service
companies are recommended to involve their clients in the promotion.
Many large organisations love taking part in British Food Fortnight
as they see it as an opportunity to promote healthy eating and
sustainable sourcing to their employees.
Many NHS Trusts, school
catering services and major Government departments are expected to
join in the national food celebration having participated for the
first time, and with great success, last year.
Seven of the largest food service
organisations: ARAMARK (who is sponsoring the event for the fourth
year), Brakes, Sodexo, BaxterStorey, Elior UK, One Complete Solution
and Anchor Trust Residential Care & Nursing Homes.
In the pub sector six major pub
groups: Enterprise Inns, Everards, Marston's Pub Company, Orchid Pub
Group, Punch Taverns and Young's.
In the tourism sector: the
National Trust and Youth Hostel Association.
For information on British Food
Fortnight and to order resources, contact the event office on T: 020
7840 9292. E: info@lovebritishfood.co.uk
W: www.lovebritishfood.co.uk.
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