British pork is best, says MoD
UK - The Ministry of Defence has mandated its supplier, Purple Foodservice Solutions, to give ‘full consideration’ to the supply of British products where they meet the necessary contract quality specifications, provide best value for money and meet the requirements for overseas supply.
The MoD is continuing to work with the Meat and Livestock Commission and Red Meat Industry Forum to maximise the amount of British meat that can be supplied competitively.
Non-United Kingdom European Union pork can be up to 10 percent cheaper than United Kingdom pork, although the price fluctuates significantly with market demand.
This means that against an annual spend of some £2 million, savings could be realised from the purchase of non-United Kingdom pork.
However, the MoD says it considers United Kingdom pork to represent better long term value because:
Non-United Kingdom European Union pork can be up to 10 percent cheaper than United Kingdom pork, although the price fluctuates significantly with market demand.
This means that against an annual spend of some £2 million, savings could be realised from the purchase of non-United Kingdom pork.
However, the MoD says it considers United Kingdom pork to represent better long term value because:
- It meets the European Union processing specifications.
- It meets the requirements necessary to export the product.
- The United Kingdom has outlawed the use of stalls, meeting stricter animal welfare standards.
- The security and reliability of surge supply is better guaranteed by purchasing the product for United Kingdom forces from the United Kingdom.
According to Defra the Defence Food Services Integrated Project Team will continue to work in partnership with Purple Foodservice Solutions to explore ways to increase the proportion of British meat and other foods, that are supplied to United Kingdom armed forces.
“Both the Ministry and Purple Foodservice Solutions remain committed to buying meat from United Kingdom sources wherever they are competitive and meet MoD quality requirements,” says Defra.