Co-op to sell British bacon and lamb only from 2017
The Co-op has announced that it will switch all of its fresh bacon and lamb to 100% British from 1st May 2017.
The new sourcing initiative will reportedly make the Co-op the only major UK food retailer to stock 100% own-brand fresh British beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bacon and turkey.
It is already said to be the only retailer to use British meat in all its chilled ready meals, pies and sandwiches.
Under a three-year plan, the convenience retailer has pledged to invest a minimum of £1.5bn sourcing UK meat.
The announcement comes at the start of Love British Food Fortnight, which runs from 17th September to 2nd October and this year is sponsored by the Co-op.
Steve Murrells, retail chief executive for the Co-op, said: “We are a major supporter of British farming. This move is a first for a major food retailer and will see us invest millions more into sourcing home produced goods.
“It’s an exciting time at the Co-op and our growing confidence is shown by our investment in UK farming as we do business a better way to meet consumer demand.”
Welcoming the announcement, Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “The Great British brand is renowned across the globe for its quality, innovation and tradition.
“From our world-famous Welsh lamb to the classic bacon sandwich, British meat is not only delicious but also produced to the highest standards of quality, welfare and safety.
“It’s great to see the Co-op taking the lead to celebrate the best of British and supporting our Great British Food campaign.”
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has also welcomed the Co-op’s announcement.
“We applaud this bold move by the Co-op to sell only British lamb and bacon,” commented NFU president Meurig Raymond. “This decision shows a real commitment to quality British food and the farmers that produce it.”
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