MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday March 20
2008
NFU launch
supermarket meat retailing report
Meat retail sales, worth £7 billion a year, have been analysed in a new report being published by the NFU today.
The Meat and Livestock Commission has issued the Supermarket Meat Retailing report on behalf of the NFU to look at key areas of the livestock industry and its place within the retail sector. In the report results have revealed:
·
There is clear evidence that consumers' interest in,
and demand for, origin labeling on meat products is undiminished, and if
anything is growing
·
together, the top four supermarkets account for around
76 per cent share of retail grocery sales.
·
fresh and chilled food is more important in sales
value than ambient and frozen put together, and meat is an important part of
retailers' offer
NFU President Peter Kendall will open discussions at
the launch. Speaking before the event he said: “This is a comprehensive and
objective report into the current start of meat retailing as evidenced by our
major supermarkets chains, which I hope will encourage debate about the future
of British livestock farming.
“Rising feed costs are putting intense pressure on
sectors of the industry, and are being compounded by higher regulatory costs,
all too often associated with measures of no practical benefit. There are
plenty of challenges for livestock producers on the supply side of the industry
and I hope this report will lead to stronger linkages being forged between our
major retailers and the farming community who supplies their raw material.”
Food labeling is one key area highlighted in the
report for consumers. It states labeling is improving, but with 74 per cent of
consumers saying they want to see origin of country clearly marked in the pack,
the report also acknowledges more needs to be done, especially for processed
meat.
Other key elements,
such as pricing, are covered in the report with the short-term nature of
supermarket strategies and fierce competition blamed for stopping increased
farm gate value entering the supply chain. The report calls for a brave
retailer to lead the market and push the price at farm gate upwards.
-ends-
Notes to Editors
1. The report focuses on the top four retailers, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda, who share a 76 per cent total of the retail grocery market.
2. Some of the best examples of sustainable supply chains were found in chains serving businesses such as Waitrose.
3. For a copy of the report click
NFU,
Agriculture House,
Press Officer: Sharon Hockley
Telephone: 024 7685 8686 FAX: 024 7685 8651 ISDN:
02476 416289
The NFU champions British farming and
provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower
members.