A new 100% Ayrshire-style bacon made from Specially Selected Pork (SSP) has been launched by the Co-op as part of its “Irresistible bacon” range.
The new product was immediately welcomed by north-east Scotland pig producer, Patrick Stephen, as a development which he hopes other retailers will follow.
“Scottish pig farmers are extremely proud of the SSP we produce, which is reared to standards which are second to none when it comes to animal husbandry and welfare,” said Mr Stephen from Conglass Farm, Inverurie. “I look forward to other retailers seizing the opportunity to stock a brand which meets consumers’ requirements for provenance, quality assurance and taste.”
Cured by hand and air-dried for up to 21 days, the new product joins four existing Co-op “Irresistible bacon” items, which will now be produced entirely from SSP and made are available in 347 stores nationwide.
The pork used to produce the five bacon lines will be supplied from any one of 12 farms located across North Aberdeenshire and Angus.
“We know that Scottish customers want to eat Scottish produce so we’re delighted to be able to launch this new range, knowing it has been made exclusively from Scottish-reared pork,” said the Co-op’s chilled goods buyer, Ben Grant.
“Being able to swap our existing bacon products to 100% Scottish pork provides further evidence of our commitment to supporting the nation’s farmers and gives shoppers another opportunity to buy home-grown products.”
The launch at Co-op’s store in Peterculter, Aberdeenshire, was also attended by Scottish SPCA area inspector, Fiona McKenzie, in support of the organisation’s backing for SSP’s welfare standards.
Headline image shows (l-r) Fiona McKenzie; Michael Cardiner, assistant store manager at Peterculter and Patrick Stephen