National Pig Association THE VOICE OF THE UK PIG INDUSTRY NPA is active on members' behalf in Brussels & Whitehall, and with processors, supermarkets & caterers - fighting for the growth and pros-perity of the UK pig industry.

It is developing direct deliveries to local stores via farmer ‘hubs’. This could be an important opportunity for pig producers, especially those already running a farm-shop butchery and cold store.

Asda is happy to deal with large and small suppliers. Its definition of local is flexible and depends on the area and the product. In general it has to be grown, reared and produced locally and either be a local brand, a local delicacy, or identified as local.

Whilst some potential suppliers are good at approaching supermarkets for business, others are not. Problems in include a lack of technical skill, lack of business skill, an unfinished product (ie. packaging), a poor product, no idea of costs, no consumer understanding, lack of facilities etc.

But the message must be, if you think you have something to offer… it could be a smart move to get in touch sooner rather than later.

ThePigSite News Desk