Public Procurement Hub

Explore Love British Food’s research into sourcing British food

in the public sector

Love British Food has worked in this sector since 2004. Working in close collaboration with the leading organisations and influencers in the public procurement of food, we have identified the opportunities and challenges for sourcing locally, supporting SMEs and putting British food on menus in schools, care homes, hospitals, prisons, universities and other government establishments.

The public sector purchases £2.6 billion of food every year. Attempts have been made previously to encourage support for British producers but it is clear, from the work that we do with catering managers on the ground, that there is far more to do.



The public sector is not a uniform entity. Each area has its own purchasing models.  Love British Food has interviewed those involved in all aspects of public sector catering: care homes, hospitals, schools, universities and prisons. We have spoken to caterers, procurement teams, suppliers and independent organisations. We have covered ground from Cornwall to Aberdeen to learn about the different regional approaches being taken.

Please take a look at our research findings below and explore the case studies on the right.

The Love British Food Procurement Hub is a facility to guide policy makers, procurement teams, catering managers and suppliers. We hope it will inspire you to explore the opportunities for sourcing British and to invite local producers to apply to your tenders. 

If you would like to share your experiences of sourcing British food and contribute a case study for others to learn from, similar to the ones on this page, please email info@lovebritishfood.co.uk.

Advice for farmers and producers

Advice on what you can do if you would like to join the public procurement supply chain.