Co-op showing up other retailer's with buy British commitment, UFU says

Co-op now sources 100% British beef, chicken, ham, pork, duck and turkey and uses only British meat in all sausages
Co-op now sources 100% British beef, chicken, ham, pork, duck and turkey and uses only British meat in all sausages

The Ulster Farmers’ Union has said the Co-op group has shown up other retailers by committing to selling 100 per cent UK bacon and lamb.

The retailer has decided to drop both Danish bacon and New Zealand lamb after research showed imports have doubled over the past twenty years.

The move by the retailer was first announced last September and comes into effect from today (2 May).

This now means the Co-op sources 100% British beef, chicken, ham, pork, duck and turkey and uses only British meat in all sausages and in its own-label chilled ready meals, pies and sandwiches.

'Grabbed the leader'

UFU President Barclay Bell said buying UK fresh meat all year round is a 'very welcome' step.

“The Co-op has grabbed the lead over other retailers, with this commitment to back home production. The scale of meat imports has long been a concern and the Co-op deserves credit for supporting UK farms.”

The UFU says this decision is a challenge to other retailers. It says the Co-op is recognising the importance of food security and of having short, fully traceable supply chains.

Mr Bell continued: “This approach delivers a high standard of locally produced food. I believe this is what consumers want to buy, and it is a challenge farmers want to meet. Backing local produce also has positive knock-on effects for the economy, the environment and society.

“I would urge all retailers and food service companies to step up to the mark and follow the Co-ops, lead,” says the UFU president.