Pork producer Sofina Foods Europe has joined the Tesco Sustainable Pig Group (TSPG), with the number of pigs supplied through the scheme growing by almost 30%.
Following the expansion, the TSPG will reportedly cover around 23% of Tesco’s British pork supply, and 15% of its total pig meat supply. The group now produces all Tesco’s Finest fresh pork, with the aim of producing all Tesco’s core fresh pork and sausages, and extending this to more products in the pig meat category over the next two years.
Tesco pointed out that the move coincided with a 20% year-on-year increase in Tesco’s British pig meat volumes, with British pork now accounting for 65% of total pig meat sales.
The group, which was relaunched last year in partnership with Tesco’s long-term supplier Cranswick, sees farmers receive a combination of cost of production and market price incentives, aiming to give producers greater stability in pricing, and helping to support longer-term investment. It also provides a forum for suppliers, farmers and Tesco colleagues to come together to work to improve welfare, innovation, quality standards and collaboration.
The retailer claimed that within the TSPG, more than 80% of pigs are bred to higher welfare standards, including outdoor bred or dynamic farrowing systems. All farmers in the group track carbon footprint data and are working to reduce emissions.
Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries at Tesco, commented: “Conditions for our dedicated British farmers continue to be challenging – as British agriculture’s biggest customer, we want to do all we can to drive growth in the sector and improve supply chain resilience.
“The expansion of our Tesco Sustainable Pig Group is a key part of this aim. The group provides our British pig farmers with real incentives to invest in key welfare, sustainability and efficiency improvements, including the switch to dynamic farrowing systems, while our customers benefit from even more quality British pork.”
“Partnerships like this provide farmers with greater confidence and stability, enabling investment in sustainable production.”
Graham Wilkinson, Sofina Foods Europe
Graham Wilkinson, group agriculture director at Sofina Foods Europe, stated: “Sofina is proud to support Tesco’s continued development of the Tesco Sustainable Pig Group. The expansion of the group is a positive step for our independent farmers and the long-term resilience of the British pig sector.
“In a rapidly changing industry, partnerships like this provide farmers with greater confidence and stability, enabling investment in sustainable production while maintaining high animal welfare and environmental standards.
“It also further strengthens our long-standing relationship with Tesco, which is built on shared values and a shared commitment to supporting farming communities for the long term.”
Adam Couch, chief executive officer at Cranswick, which is part of the TSPG, added: “It is great to see Tesco’s continued commitment to British pig farming, and we are delighted to be expanding the Sustainable Pig Group with them to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
“Our own farming expertise, long-standing partnership with Tesco, and aligned independent producers will undoubtedly accelerate the transition to higher welfare indoor systems and sustainable agricultural practices. We are excited to see the progress of this market-leading approach and how it can benefit both producers and consumers alike.”
