As part of its 25th anniversary Love British Food brought together leaders from across farming, foodservice, hospitality, retail supply and public sector catering to experience a bespoke programme of activities at one of the country’s leading agricultural shows.

At the centre of the day was a panel discussion titled ‘From farm to menu: Who shapes Britain’s sustainable food future?’, chaired by Alexia Robinson, Founder and CEO of Love British Food, alongside Robyn Munt, Vice President of the National Farmers Union.

The panellists included Rob Cass, Operations Manager at Angel Hill Food Co / OCS; Ian Nottage, Head of Food Development at Fresh Direct; David Chapman, Executive Director of UK Hospitality Cymru; Lily Spencer-Brown, Livestock Technical Development Manager at Myton Food Group; and Neil Shand, Chief Executive of the National Beef Association.

The discussion explored how farmers, buyers, caterers, suppliers and hospitality leaders can work more closely together to make British sourcing more practical, visible and resilient.

Alexia Robinson, Founder and CEO of Love British Food, said: “Public sector caterers serve millions of meals every week and have enormous potential to champion British produce, support farmer confidence and build more resilient supply chains.

“The day at the Royal Three Counties Show was about getting people into the heart of British farming. When caterers meet farmers, see the livestock, understand the standards and hear directly from the supply chain, the conversation changes.

“Love British Food has spent 25 years building connections from grassroots to industry. We are calling on the whole supply chain to engage with the campaign and use British Food Fortnight as a practical moment to put British produce at the centre of menus.”

During the discussion, speakers emphasised that British sourcing goes beyond provenance by supporting sustainability, traceability, animal welfare, food education, resilience, quality and long-term confidence for producers.

The panel highlighted the need for greater collaboration between farmers and the foodservice sector, so producers understand the opportunities available and caterers can source British food with greater confidence and consistency.

Delegates at the Three Counties Show started the day with the CLA’s Big Breakfast, followed by an informal discussion on sustainable beef with the Aberdeen Angus Breed Society, and a tour of the livestock lines with BBC presenter, Adam Henson followed in the afternoon.

Love British Food said the day demonstrated the value of bringing public sector caterers into farming environments and building meaningful relationships across the supply chain.

The organisation is encouraging engagement with its 25th anniversary campaign and use British Food Fortnight 2026, taking place from 26 September to 11 October, as a focal point for action.

Alexia Robinson added: “British sourcing becomes easier when the whole chain works together. This is exactly the role Love British Food exists to play. We convene the people who can make change happen and give them the tools, confidence and relationships to champion British produce.”