Major supermarkets criticised for shift to cheaper imported meat

Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s have been found selling cheap beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand in a bid to save cost, according to the National Farmer’s Union (NFU). 

The Guardian has learnt that the NFU, who regularly monitor the shelves at the supermarkets, has noted that Morrisons has been selling chicken from Poland and beef from Australia. 

It also noted that meat from Australia and Poland is typically produced to different standards than in the UK, contributing to lower prices.

For instance, Morrisons requires a maximum stocking density of 30kg per square metre for UK chicken, compared with up to 39kg per square metre in Poland. Meanwhile, Asda is said to be selling sirloin and ribeye steaks from Uruguay at £21.94 and £23.70 per kilogram respectively – around 20% less than equivalent UK and Irish cuts. 

Similarly, the NFU also revealed that Sainsbury’s has been selling wagyu beef from New Zealand.

David Barton, NFU Livestock board chair, said: “It’s deeply concerning to see major retailers now move away from their previous commitments to sourcing British in the last few weeks in favour of imports, many of which have been produced to lower standards. Farmers’ long-standing partnerships with retailers have supported sustainable supply chains, so this shift is alarming.

“Over the past year, the industry has heard warm words from almost every major retailer pledging support for British farmers. But these words ring hollow when British produce is not given pride of place on shelves.”

He added: “Decisions to renege on sourcing commitments erode trust and damage farmer confidence at a time when the sector is facing immense challenges, and with increased global insecurity, the need to build sustainable food supply chains has never been more important.”

A Morrisons spokesperson told the Guardian: “Morrisons remains 100% British on all our meat counters. In our aisles – alongside our New Zealand lamb – we are introducing trials of some imported meat from trusted suppliers to help us offer outstanding value through the seasons and through any supply fluctuations.

“We are proud to be the single biggest direct supermarket customer of British farming and are looking to grow the overall volumes of British meat through Myton Food Group.”

An Asda spokesperson added: “We always look to offer customers a wide choice of products to suit all budgets, and the country of origin is always clearly labelled on pack so customers can make an informed choice about their purchases. Grass and Grill steaks are provided by a branded partner and available in our stores for a limited time only. All of Asda’s own brand fresh beef continues to be sourced from farms in the UK and Republic of Ireland.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “We’re proud to work with thousands of British farmers year-round and the vast majority of our beef range is sourced from the UK and Ireland. We have no plans to change this approach. All of our suppliers also have to meet the same rigorous quality standards, regardless of where the product is sourced from.

“These seasonal products account for just 0.1% of our beef range and are an example of where there are times we may also source from elsewhere like New Zealand, so that we can continue to meet customer demand. The country of origin is clearly labelled, to help our customers make informed choices when they shop with us.”