Sainsbury’s Steps up British Sourcing with Commitment to Fresh Pork

UK - Sainsbury’s today announced its milestone move to all its fresh pork being 100 per cent British. The commitment comes ten years after the retailer guaranteed all fresh chicken as British and enforces its commitment to British sourcing. Sourcing from more British farmers than ever before, sourcing closer to home will increase Sainsbury’s supply of British pork significantly.
calendar icon 1 July 2013
clock icon 3 minute read

From 3 July 2013, traditional favourites including pork loins, chops and joints will all be British, adding to Sainsbury’s British credentials on ham and fresh sausages. The move gives its pig farmers the confidence to invest in their future and reduces reliance on Pork from the EU including Dutch and Danish. Sainsbury’s has built its investment as part of its commitment to double the amount of British food it sells by 2020 and responded to customers increasing interest in home grown food.

Sue Lockhart, Head of Agriculture at Sainsbury’s said: "Sourcing food closer to home and developing even stronger links with farmers is a key part of continuing to lead on fresh food. Our customers trust us to source the very best fresh food in a sustainable way and we’re pleased to announce fresh pork as our latest progress. This summer customers will see more British food than ever before from beef burgers through to blueberries from Scotland.

"The leading work we do in partnership with our growers and farmers in the UK and abroad continues to expand. Most recently we allocated £1.2 million funding to drive the future of British farming which has shown that agriculture is evolving and continues to offer benefits throughout the supply chain – from farmers through to our customers."

Meryl Ward who was recently awarded an MBE for her work on pig welfare and a member of the Pork Development Group said: "This is amazing news, especially as it comes at a time when pig farmers have had such a challenging year. The commitment will give farmers confidence to invest in their business as they have a guaranteed order with a major retailer. Earlier this year Sainsbury’s supported it’s Sainsbury’s Pork Development Group (SPDG) members with a price premium because of the rising cost in feed, it’s responsive moves like this that farmers need for a sustainable future."

While Sainsbury’s has led on all fresh chicken being British for over ten years, today’s announcement coincides with further development to source more British poultry. All breaded and roast chicken is now British, along with all of the chicken in our fresh ready meals, pies, pizza topping, quiches and soups. Further areas including frozen whole bird and portions and all our canned petfood is now British and Irish, offering customers a wide range regardless of their budget.

Farming Minister, David Heath said: "British pork has a reputation across the world for its high welfare standards, quality and taste. Choosing British meat and dairy is a positive way to support British farming and enjoy locally sourced food."

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