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Our purpose in action Plan for better Best of British

Why the UK needs a resilient, fair and homegrown food system

15 July 2025

Britain’s food industry is one of the country’s greatest assets, a powerful engine of growth, innovation and community. Yet for too long, its importance has been undervalued and its potential underused.

Today, our food system is under pressure. From climate change and geopolitical instability to rising costs and widening health inequalities, the challenges are real and growing. But so is the opportunity.

That’s why Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, has welcomed the government’s new Good Food Cycle strategy a bold step toward making food in the UK healthier, more sustainable and more accessible for everyone.

“As grocery retailers, we must champion the “super” in supermarket, using our scale, influence and resources to drive real change across the food system with our partners. Only with this commitment can we ensure that everyone, no matter their background or their budget, can access good quality, nutritious food every single day.”

Simon Roberts

Chief Executive of Sainsbury's

The role of retail in a fairer food system

At Sainsbury’s, we see every day how affordability, quality, health and convenience can work together. Supermarkets have a unique role to play, not just in offering choice, but in shaping a food system that helps everyone thrive.

That means using our scale and influence to make better choices easier and more appealing. It means backing British farmers, investing in innovation, and helping customers access good food, no matter their background or budget.

“This is a positive step toward building a more resilient food system, one that works for generations to come. But ambition alone isn’t enough. We need bold, practical action and a level playing field to make it happen.”

What needs to happen next

To build a food system that’s truly future-ready, we are calling for:

  • More homegrown production, to boost food security, create jobs and reduce reliance on fragile global supply chains
  • Planning reform – to unlock investment in food infrastructure and support rural economies
  • A national workforce plan – to attract and develop the talent needed across farming, food manufacturing and retail
  • Fair enforcement – with changes applied across all large food businesses, from retail to hospitality, to ensure lasting impact

A call to collaborate

More than 4.4 million people power the UK’s food system every day, from growers and producers to store colleagues and delivery drivers. It’s a system that’s already remarkable. But with the right support, it can be even more dynamic, inclusive and resilient.

Sainsbury’s is ready to play its part. And we are calling on our peers across the industry to do the same; to work together, with shared ambition, to build a food future that’s fair, secure and sustainable for all.