'Market should dictate change' says British Retail Consortium

Government food policy should recognise that the market delivers change more effectively than politicians ever can.

Reacting to the Government’s Food 2030 plan, published today, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) said, when customers demand retailers and suppliers respond quickly.

British Retail Consortium Food Policy Director Andrew Opie said: "The Government deserves credit for putting this plan together but delivery is what matters.

"The Government must create an environment across Whitehall that joins up policy making and allows all parts of the industry to work with customers to go on improving the way food is produced and consumed.

"Food is part of a range of issues including health and climate change. These are big issues that need Government to pursue a long-term strategy without being diverted by headline-grabbing gimmicks or the fads of the moment.

"And we need a recognition that the market is the most effective way to deliver change. Food policy has to take customers with it. When customers understand and then demand, retailers and suppliers respond, producing change more quickly than politicians ever can."