The TV chef got involved in the International Festival for Business (IFB) to promote UK suppliers among international importers, but stressed the importance of sourcing local produce for British restaurants as well.
“I am delighted to be supporting UK Trade & Investment’s Food & Drink event as part of my ongoing support of the food is GREAT campaign. As a restaurateur of 12 restaurants in London, quality local produce is key to delivering fine dining at the highest level.
“I am extremely passionate about supporting British suppliers on a global scale and will be working with a number of UK suppliers as we expand into Asia this September,” Ramsay said.
The dinner, which will be served to 100 guests at Knowsley Hall, includes a chilled watercress soup, a crab and nectarine salad, a roasted saddle of lamb, a treacle tart and s selection of British cheeses.
Growing demand
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), demand for British produce has grown among both local and international diners, and restaurants should capitalise on that opportunity.
“Sourcing UK produce offers a real opportunity for UK restaurants. Demand for British food and drink is increasing amongst UK consumers, who are interested in the quality of their food. Many choose locally-produced food because they want to see money flow into their local economy. Local food also connects people with their local food heritage.
“It is not just British customers who appreciate UK produce in our restaurants but also visitors from overseas. We are internationally renowned for our vast array of regional variance, which is reflected in local specialities like salt marsh lamb. British food products such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies and Stilton Cheese hold the same quality mark as Parma Ham and Champagne,” a food industry competitiveness and growth specialist at DEFRA told BigHospitality.
GREAT Britain campaign
The GREAT Britain campaign is a government-backed international marketing campaign which showcases British products and services in over 144 countries and is currently focusing on Asia.
Among popular food exports to Asia in 2013 were fresh fish (over£100m), potatoes (£7m) and peas (£6.6m).
Dominic Jermey, UKTI’s chief executive, said: “It is clear the Asian palate is not only accustomed to, but is now demanding British cuisine. This has led to a sharp rise in British chefs exporting their services to the market, with top British chefs like Gordon announcing the opening of their restaurants in Asia over the next year.”