Tesco and Asda “really need to do better” in terms of their stocking of British pigmeat says NPA chief executive, Dr Zoe Davies.
Responding to the AHDB Pork’s latest Porkwatch survey, she welcomed moves by UK retailers in general to source more British bacon while adding that producers might have expected more of a shift towards British pork over the late summer and autumn, given the exchange rate.
“As ever, we applaud those who continue to demonstrate commitment towards British pork and use its Britishness, quality and high standards as selling points to customers,” said Dr Davies.
“As for Tesco and Asda, at least Asda appears to be upping its British showing. But both really need to do better.”
The Porkwatch survey, covering the British performance of 10 retailers during September, recorded a 4% increase since July this year in the proportion of British bacon, giving the product a 48% share of sales. British pork facings, meanwhile, were only marginally up on July, although that was from a much higher 83% base.
British ham facings, now on 65%, declined by 1% from July while sausages, currently on 82% were down by 2% since July.