Waitrose has responded to concerns over confusing labels on some of its lamb ready meals, following extensive discussions with the NFU
The meals are branded ‘Waitrose British’ and include Shepherd’s Pie, Lamb Hot Pot, Liver and Bacon and Lamb with Mint and Redcurrant. However, they are all made with New Zealand lamb.
In the short term the supermarket chain will ensure that all products have the origin of the lamb clearly marked on the front of pack. The NFU expressed concern over the lack of origin labelling with the product online, Waitrose have responded by adding an online origin statement.
Waitrose has committed to re-branding the range and are looking at a better solution to meet customer needs in the future. We will continue to keep you updated with further details.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We made our concerns very clear to Waitrose right from the beginning on this product. The inclusion of the word ‘British’ in the brand name despite the meat being sourced from New Zealand is misleading for shoppers - and it’s frustrating for British farmers, especially those who produce lamb Waitrose could have sourced.
“After extensive discussions between the retailer and the NFU, we’re now pleased to see some changes made: on pack-stickers to clarify sourcing put in place in the first instance, with the long-term plan of a full rebrand of the ‘British’ product range to avoid confusion on sourcing.
“During these discussions we urged the retailers to make the most of the high-quality British food products our farmers produce. This, we said, is the best way to celebrate British provenance with their customers. We’ll continue to push this message with Waitrose, and others in the supply chain, and relay any more progress on this back to the industry."