Tesco and Morrisons more British with their beef

According to the latest date from TNS, almost 98% of the fresh beef sold through Morrison’s since January 2006 has been British, while Tesco is close behind with 85-96% cent of its fresh beef sold over the same period purchased from UK sources.

“The fact that Morrison’s and Tesco are each operating a Britain-first purchasing policy, and using imports only as a top-up, at a time when British farmers are trying to adjust to a world without subsidies is encouraging,” said National Beef Association chief executive, Robert Forster.

However, the figures for rivals Asda and Sainsbury’s were less impressive. Figures showed that in the four weeks ending 17 June just over half of the fresh beef sold through Asda was imported.

Over the same period almost 30 % of fresh beef on Sainsbury’s shelves was Irish with over 4% imported from elsewhere.

Foster added: “Asda also appears to be switching its stance on taking the lazy option on imports and has recently announced that it is expanding its “Buy British” policy on beef. Indeed, it has predicted a 12% increase in British beef purchases over 2008 to supply its highest retail price ranges.

“This leaves Sainsbury’s, which appears wedded to commodity conveyor belt principles, still to act and commit to giving its customers more opportunity to buy home produced beef. The British beef industry can no longer live on fine words. Actions are what count.”