Marks and Spencer pledges to buy Scottish amid farmer anger over imported lamb

Scottish farmers have welcomed the retailer's commitment ahead of a growing number of chains importing lamb
Scottish farmers have welcomed the retailer's commitment ahead of a growing number of chains importing lamb

Major retailer Marks and Spencer has pledged to source 100 per cent Scottish lamb ahead of Easter amid growing anger over imported lamb in supermarkets.

The pledge to return to 100 per cent Scottish in all Scottish stores by the weekend merits similar response from other retailers, says NFU Scotland.

Scottish farmers have welcomed the response by Marks and Spencer.

It comes as many farmers were described as 'justifiably angry' at the level of imported lamb products on British supermarket shelves this Easter.

Shelf watch campaign

The retailer was responding to an NFU Scotland shelf watch campaign which found significant volumes of imported lamb on almost all supermarket shelves as we approach Easter, giving people few opportunities to buy Scottish lamb.

Last year, Marks and Spencer’s made a commitment to source 100 per cent Scottish lamb for its Scottish stores this season. However, secret shoppers found the retailer had a significant amount of imported lamb on some of its shelves this week.

A statement from the retailer has apologised, indicated that an error in its delivery system was responsible, pledged to have it rectified over the weekend and reaffirmed its commitment to sourcing only Scottish lamb for its Scottish stores.

The farming union said it is keen to see all supermarkets now make a similar pledge.

In its shelf watch this week, only Aldi stores were found to be stocking 100 per cent Scottish lamb.

Despite previous commitments by some retailers, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, the Co-op, Morrisons and Lidl have all chosen to import huge volumes of New Zealand and Australian lamb, shunning home producers at this hugely important time of year for lamb sales.

Looking hard for local

Commenting on the M and S statement, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “Having a leading retailer delivering on its commitment to stock exclusively Scottish lamb in its Scottish stores is great news at a time when Scottish farmers and crofters are coming through the difficult spring lambing period.

“Sadly, the Union’s shelf watch indicated that shoppers have to look hard in stores to find any Scottish. Justifiably, many will rely on their local butcher if they want to buy some fresh, tasty and local Scottish lamb.

“Scottish shoppers want Scottish lamb and butchers, Aldi and M and S show other retailers what can be achieved.

“Looking ahead, we welcome plans from the Co-op to move to 100 per cent home-produced across all fresh meat later this year. And we continue to call for Tesco and Asda to extend their season for buying home produced lamb in a bid to boost sales of Scottish.

“We will also be asking questions of Morrisons and Lidl, who have failed to maintain their previous good record on domestic sourcing.”