Sainsbury's beefs up dialogue with UK farmers
Earlier this week Sainsbury's met in London with a cross section of its regional beef farmers for the inaugural 'National' meeting in a move to continue to break down the barriers between the two and better understand some of the issues facing the industry.
The discussions focused around further use of older beef, whole carcase utilisation, imports, exports and the future of supplies, including contracts.
The one-day event, organised by chief beef supplier to Sainsbury's, ABP (Anglo Beef Processors) brought together farmers from Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and was a culmination of a series of similar events which have been taking place in the regions over the last twelve months.
When the discussions were over the farmers were taken downstairs to the Sainsbury's kitchens for an informal blind tasting session. They were invited to sample beef from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland before naming their favourite. Whilst many of the farmers managed to choose their own beef there were a few who rated the other regions above their own.
This ongoing process will see representatives from Sainsbury's meeting farmers from around the UK once a year centrally and twice a year in the regions. It aims to create a continued dialogue for both the beef farming community and Sainsbury's, so there continues to be a better understanding of the supply chain.
Karen Schenstrom, Business Unit Director, says:
"Meeting with our key suppliers and farmers is very important to us as a business, as it helps us to build a better understanding of how they work and the steps we might be able to take to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
"The topics were covered today are particularly important as the UK farming industry has changed a great deal in the past few years. It is fundamental that Sainsbury's is able to understand the current pressures facing beef farmers and is also valuable for us to update farmers on our business, the retail market, and any trends or changes to consumer habits."
Sainsbury's began a regular dialogue with its 1400 'ABP Ellesmere' producers who supply beef for Sainsbury's Taste the Difference and Jamie Oliver premium beef ranges over six years ago however this is the very first time all Sainsbury's beef suppliers have been involved in such discussions.
Sainsbury's also actively participates in the Red Meat Industry Forum. The benchmarking activity in which Sainsbury's has been involved and aims to develop a greater information flow and communication with the farming community as a whole.
