M&S has announced plans to invest more than £2 billion to extend its commitment to British lamb and beef with decade long contracts.
The retailer is investing £2.1bn to extend its commitment to British lamb and beef through two ten-year contracts with ABP and Dunbia, who work with 3,500 M&S Select Farmers.
The commitment comes at a key time for livestock producers, with the industry facing a number of challenges, from a globally volatile environment to competition from imports into the UK.
Welcoming M&S's commitment, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “With significant inflationary pressures being faced by farming businesses driven by the Iran conflict, the importance of building resilience into the sector has never been more important. For a long time, we’ve been highlighting how fairness in the supply chain plays an important part in that resilience as it boosts businesses confidence levels.”
“This commitment by M&S will give those 3,500 suppliers the certainty they need to start investing on farm, stabilise the national herd and build confidence to see those cattle and sheep numbers grow. That is good for growth, good for productivity and good for sustainability.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Reversing the decline
In recent weeks, the NFU has reminded retailers of the importance of honouring their commitments to back British farming following reports of produce from New Zealand and Australia was positioned on shelves under signs of the Union Jack.
With beef cattle numbers and overall beef production gradually declining over the past 10 years, retailer commitments will instill much-needed confidence in producers who are ready and willing to work with retailers to meet consumer demand.
“This commitment by M&S will give those 3,500 suppliers the certainty they need to start investing on farm, stabilise the national herd and build confidence to see those cattle and sheep numbers grow,” Tom continued. “That is good for growth, good for productivity and good for sustainability.
Growing demand
“British beef and lamb have a fantastic reputation for high quality and high welfare standards, and they are products the public love. We look forward to working with M&S, ABP and Dunbia to ensure these new contracts help create a resilient, sustainable and thriving UK livestock sector, one that can meet growing demand.”
Managing Director of M&S Food Alex Freudmann said: “t’s our British farmers who uphold our market-leading welfare standards, and produce food to the quality our customers expect. But farmers face a number of challenges and now more than ever need UK retailers to commit to sourcing from within the UK. Our long-term commitment to sourcing British fresh lamb and beef, through our partners at ABP and Dunbia, will support longer term investments and security for farmers for years to come.”
M&S's Plan A for Farming strategy cements its commitment to sourcing 100% British on key proteins like beef, chicken, pork and eggs.
It is the only retailer in the UK to offer Best in Season across all fresh lamb, which is 100% British year-round and follows the natural lamb farming calendar, starting in the South of England.
