To mark the week, Ladies in Beef have also put together a handy ‘Shopper’s Guide’ to help consumers know for sure that what they are buying is British. Ladies in Beef co-founders, Minette Batters and Jilly Greed recommend shoppers look for the Red Tractor logo featuring the Union flag. Not only is it one of the best indicators of British beef, it also provides a guarantee of traceability and independent inspection.
Andy Foot, NFU beef group chairman, has thrown his support behind the week. Speaking from the Host-a-Roast launch event at Kingston Maurwood College, Dorset, he has been highlighting the importance of accurate labels.
“This week is all about celebrating the best of British and what better time to do that in England than on St George’s Day,” said Mr Foot. “We produce some of the best beef in the world and our farmers are rightly proud of their product. Beef plays an essential role as part of a healthy balanced diet, provides a ready source of essential vitamins and minerals and most importantly it tastes great.
“Consumers are in a fortunate position that we can produce this great quality food on their doorstep here in the UK. Since the start of the year there has been a renewed enthusiasm by the public to seek out British beef in the shops and the Ladies in Beef ‘Shopper’s Guide’ will help them understand exactly what it is they are buying.”
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said: “British farmers’ rear their beef to high standards of welfare and their cattle help manage some of the most valued landscapes in this country. Great British Beef Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and we would urge everyone to support the charity events taking place up and down the country, but most importantly, tuck into some great tasting British beef.”