UK retailers commit to stocking British pork

The NPA’s letter called for retailers to lend their support to the struggling British pig industry as labor shortages stemming from Brexit and COVID-19 have put pressures on the supply chain and caused a backlog of pigs on farms. The letter asked retailers to support the industry by prioritising British produce over pork imports from the European Union.

Major retailers like Aldi, ASDA, Lidl, Co-op and Morrisons have reassured British pork producers that they are backing the industry. With ASDA saying that it will prominently feature cuts of UK pork and encourage customers to opt for it. Retailers like Sainsburys and Morrisons reiterating their commitments to supplying 100% British pork.

NPA Chairman Rob Mutimer said he is pleased with the renewed commitments from retailers. “Despite the Government’s welcome support package for the pig sector, we are nowhere near to being out of the woods. In fact, we remain deep in crisis, with thousands of pigs backed up on farms and pig farmers still seeing no improvement,” he said.

“With farmers also facing an unprecedented financial crisis, the support of retailers the entire supply chain and of the British public will be critical to the survival of the British pig sector.”

The Pig Site

Tags: British pig sector, pork, supply chain, pig industry, British pork producers, labor shortages