UK retailer M&S Food has announced it will invest £2.1 billion in British lamb and beef through two decade-long contracts with ABP and Dunbia.
The red meat suppliers will work together with 3,500 M&S Select Farmers to bring British lamb and beef to M&S Foodhalls across the UK.
A ten-year contract will secure long-term British supply for M&S all year round, while reportedly “protecting exclusivity” across its Wagyu Gold, Aberdeen Angus Gold and Organic ranges as customer demand for beef grows.
Aberdeen Angus Gold, launched last year, is an integrated beef standard developed in partnership with farmers using a science-led breeding programme, which M&S said guaranteed “exceptional quality and high welfare” at a 40% lower carbon footprint vs standard beef.
According to M&S, Dunbia plans to open new salt drying chambers exclusive to M&S, and ABP will partner with the retailer to invest in equipment used for packaging, cutting meat and streamlined production lines.
Retailers “must commit to sourcing”
Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, commented: “M&S Food offers the best quality at great value, and it’s our British farmers who uphold our market-leading welfare standards, and produce food to the quality our customers expect.
“But farmers face a number of challenges and now more than ever need UK retailers to commit to sourcing from within the UK. Our long-term commitment to sourcing British fresh lamb and beef, through our partners at ABP and Dunbia, will support longer term investments and security for farmers for years to come.”
Trevor, an M&S Select beef farmer, stated: “A decade long agreement sends a strong message in support of British farmers: Long term stability is essential if we’re going to keep improving our businesses and planning for the next generation. M&S has always been a retailer we trust to support producers, and this contract reinforces that commitment in a way that really makes a difference on the ground.”
“Securing this new ten-year strategic partnership with M&S represents… a strong endorsement of the quality, capability, and commitment of our entire team.”
Michael Doran, Dunbia
Michael Doran, managing director of Dunbia, said: “Securing this new ten-year strategic partnership with M&S represents a significant milestone for Dunbia and a strong endorsement of the quality, capability, and commitment of our entire team. This agreement strengthens our ability to support the network of dedicated British farmers who are central to our supply chain.
“Their expertise, high welfare standards, and commitment to sustainable farming underpin everything we do. This partnership allows us to deepen that collaboration, invest in their future, and build a resilient, thriving British farming sector for the years ahead.”
Kevin Cahill, CEO of ABP UK, stated: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with M&S Food, and it is testament to our product quality and commitment to customer service that this will continue for the next decade. This long-term agreement will enable us to invest in the future of the supply chain and provide greater security for our farmer suppliers in the years ahead.”
NFU welcomes investment
National Farmers’ Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw said: “With significant inflationary pressures being faced by farming businesses driven by the Iran conflict, the importance of building resilience into the sector has never been more important. For a long time, we’ve been highlighting how fairness in the supply chain plays an important part in that resilience as it boosts businesses confidence levels.
“This commitment by M&S will give those 3,500 suppliers the certainty they need to start investing on farm, stabilise the national herd and build confidence to see those cattle and sheep numbers grow. That is good for growth, good for productivity and good for sustainability.
“British beef and lamb have a fantastic reputation for high quality and high welfare standards, and they are products the public love. We look forward to working with M&S, ABP and Dunbia to ensure these new contracts help create a resilient, sustainable and thriving UK livestock sector, one that can meet growing demand.”
