Justin King is to argue today that concerns over food miles are over the top and efforts to boost the amount of British produce on shelves are “flawed”.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Sainsbury’s chief executive will urge supermarkets to trade with countries such as Africa in an attempt to improve their economies.
Campaigns to increase the amount of UK products for sale confuse worries over the country’s ability to be sufficient in this area, King will argue.
In a speech at the Royal Agricultural College, he will say: “It is nonsensical to suggest we should all be digging for victory.”
King will add: “Products produced locally do not always have a lower carbon footprint … we need to resist the siren call of protectionism”.
This week, Sainsbury’s revealed it is to offer its staff in-house qualifications, in subjects such as maths and English.
Next Wednesday (12 November), the company will announce its interim results.
