Retailers should commit to sourcing British lamb, farmers urge

Retailers should confirm their commitments to sourcing UK lamb this season, farmers have urged.

With next month traditionally regarded as the start of the prime season for lamb, Lyndon Edwards, Chairman of the NFU Cymru Livestock Board, said: "Retailers should be in no doubt that there will be no shortage of prime PGI Welsh lamb over the next 12 months."

Nearly 70 percent of shoppers trust the meat they buy in supermarkets either a lot or a fair amount, according to YouGov data released by BPEX. This compares with only 58 percent trusting the meat they are served in restaurants and 17 percent in fast-food outlets.

“Since Horsegate in 2013, supermarkets have worked hard to restore trust by sourcing more British meat and labelling the fact clearly—and their strategy is obviously working,” according to National Pig Association chairman Richard Lister.

“If foodservice companies want the public to trust them to a similar degree, the answer is staring them in the face. They should copy the retailers and serve British meat instead of imported meat from continental cold stores.”

Lyndon Edwards said: “NFU Cymru will use every possible opportunity over the coming weeks to ask retailers to confirm their commitments to sourcing Welsh and to outline our key asks.

“It is important to note, though, that the drivers that the lamb market faces are far more complex than simple retailer sourcing. Exchange rates, consumer demand - domestically and abroad, are other vital factors. Carcass balance for different markets is also important as a means of adding overall value.

“What is most important of all is the continued support of the public in ensuring that when they go to supermarkets and restaurants they make a point of asking for great tasting PGI Welsh lamb.”