Sainsbury’s boss hails government food security plan

Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts has welcomed the government’s Good Food Cycle plan which aims to build a “thriving food sector”.

The government has described the plan as “a recipe aimed at driving a generational change in the nation’s relationship with food”.

The new initiative focuses on ten priority outcomes which aim to build a “thriving food sector” while taking on issues like obesity and climate change.

The government hopes the plan will create a good food cycle which will give everyone access to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options, and conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably.

It also hopes to build a more resilient food supply chain to protect the country from potential disruptions.

Roberts is a member of the government’s Food Strategy Advisory Board and Sainsbury’s was the sole retailer involved with helping to shape the plans.

He said: “Britain’s food system should be a powerhouse of economic growth, innovation and job creation, but in the face of ongoing and significant challenges, we need to work with bold ambition, commitment and focus to secure its’ future.

“The government’s Good Food Cycle is a positive step towards building a more resilient food system and that ensures food in the UK is consistently healthier, more sustainable and more accessible to all for generations to come.”

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the BRC, added:  “Retailers welcome the ambition and direction of the framework. They know customers want more British food, sustainably produced and with clear healthy choices; something we believe this approach can help to deliver.”