Browns Food Group, one of Scotland’s leading pork manufacturers, is celebrating more than 10 years of partnership with Aldi Scotland, as they extend their commitment to the Scottish Pork industry.
The two businesses have worked closely together to reinforce their commitment to Specially Selected Pork, to reassure both farmers and consumers that Scottish pork will be readily available on every Aldi shelf in Scotland.
A range of sausages including Specially Selected Scottish Pork, Arran Mustard & Honey Sausages and primary pork products including Nature’s Glen Ayrshire Cured Cooked Ham and Nature’s Glen Scottish Pork Loin Steaks are among the range of products from Browns Food Group sold across all Aldi Scotland stores.
In recent years, Scottish pork production has faced significant disruption from both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, causing prices to fall below the cost of production which has been further exacerbated by cheaper supplies being sourced from outwith the UK.
Established in 1885, Browns Food Group now operates from seven manufacturing sites and recently acquired Quality Pork Processors Ltd (QPPL), Scotland’s largest pork processing plant in Brechin (pictured), and family-run Robertsons Fine Food.
This has led them to centralising their supply chain within Scotland, strengthening the pork processing industry as a whole and reducing their food miles through improved logistics and closer welfare management.
Aldi was recently revealed as the top supermarket in Scotland when it comes to stocking the most Scottish produce, according to NFU Scotland’s largest ever survey of Scottish supermarket shelves in February.
The survey, which was conducted on behalf of farmers and crofters, took place in 71 stores, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Lidl, and Aldi, over a two-day period. It showed Aldi was the only retailer to stock 100% Specially Selected Pork, while it also had the highest percentage of Scottish products across eggs, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and butter.
Roderic Bruce, Scottish Pig Farmer, said: “We are delighted that Aldi are continuing their long-standing support for Specially Selected Pork as the only brand that guarantees the pork is from Scotland and is produced under the strict quality standards that we are proud to comply with.”
Wayne Godfrey, CEO of Browns Food Group said: “Aldi Scotland’s commitment to Specially Selected Pork has always been strong and they are currently our only retail customer for our full range of fresh Scottish Pork.
“Our recent acquisitions demonstrate our deep commitment to a sustainable Scottish pork industry and provides us with the opportunity to process high welfare local pork for our own manufacturing sites as well as for retail, foodservice and wholesale channels. We hope our work with Aldi inspires other supermarkets to follow suit and commit 100% to Scottish pork on their shelves.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Aldi Scotland is committed to supporting local farmers who bring quality pork products to our shelves, so we’re delighted to partner with Browns as they lead the way in building a stronger future for the Scottish pork industry.”