Co-op extends commitment to UK produce

The Co-op has announced plans to source £2.5 billion worth of British meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables over the next three years.

The retailer unveiled a new five-point plan to support British farming between 2017 and 2019.

This includes a plan to sell 100% British own-brand frozen meat, extending a previous pledge to only stock British fresh meat.

According to the supermarket chain, the move to source bacon from Britain rather than Denmark will convert enough rashers to make almost 100 million bacon butties.

The company also plans to develop new long-term contracts with British fruit and vegetable growers, and to support British horticulture with the creation of new ranges.

It will also create 15 new varieties of British-grown fruit and vegetables, which will be sold earlier and for longer than before.

Other plans include a move to take a lead on the responsible use of antibiotics in the supply chain, to invest money in animal welfare research, and to develop activities to boost food knowledge among shoppers.

“The Co-op is firmly backing the British farming community,” said chief executive Steve Murrells.

“Our multi-billion-pound investment in home-grown goods is a ringing endorsement for the quality standards of the goods farmers produce.

“The Co-op can do this because we look to the long term and aren’t driven by a fast profit for shareholders.

“We’re about making the right choices for our members and the communities we serve.

“In uncertain times we firmly believe now is the time to support UK farmers.

“We have just introduced only ownbrand fresh British lamb and bacon in our stores and from next year we’ll only use British meat in all our frozen foods.

“Getting more fruit and vegetables into store for longer has been a key aim and I’m proud we are going to great lengths to support UK growers.”