Co-op chops imported meat as it backs British farmers
The Co-op has extended its commitment to back UK farmers by switching all of its fresh bacon and lamb to 100% British.
Under a three-year plan, the convenience retailer pledged to invest a minimum of £1.5 billion sourcing UK meat and vegetables. The announcement comes at the start of Love British Food Fortnight, which runs from 17 September to 2 October and this year is sponsored by the Co-op.
Steve Murrells, retail chief executive, The Co-op, said: “We are a major supporter of British farming. This move is a first for a major food retailer and will see us invest millions more into sourcing home produced goods.
“It’s an exciting time at the Co-op and our growing confidence is shown by our investment in UK farming as we do business a better way to meet consumer demand.”
The change to 100% British Lamb will see the Co-op support around 1,700 British sheep farms each year across England, Scotland and Wales. The all year round supply will be achieved by farming a variety of native breeds that produce lambs at different times of the year, promoting breed diversity across British lamb producers.
The in-store switch to 100% British bacon and lamb will be from 1 May 2017 to enable supplies to be sourced.
Love British Food is the national campaign dedicated to promoting British food and educating consumers about the benefits of buying British. The national food promotion takes place every autumn and is the largest food participation event in the UK.
