“I believe there is a bright future in lamb and we are investing in a number of areas to support sustainable production,” Philip Hambling from Sainsbury’s told Glamorgan NFU Cymru members at their recent conference when he was asked what the future had in store for the British sheep sector and how consumer trends were changing.
Mr Hambling continued, “The UK consumer sees beef and lamb as a quality product and we are working closely with our farmers to ensure that quality perception and experience continues to deliver for customers. Collectively, we have a positive message to tell in terms of animal health and welfare standards, traceability and quality.
We are however noticing a huge shift in the way people shop. Consumers are far more conscious about food waste and keeping to a budget, but quality remains an important component for product purchases.”
NFU Cymru President, Stephen James, also addressed the conference and said, “NFU Cymru has increased its lobbying of clear country of origin labelling to ensure that consumers can easily identify British products from New Zealand lamb or Irish beef.
We believe this is hugely important and following our extensive lobbying, Tesco has confirmed that at the end of February 2016, it will no longer be selling lamb products in mixed origin packs. Philip told us that consumers want quality, so we need to ensure they can easily find quality British products on the supermarket shelves.”
Abi Reader, NFU Cymru Glamorgan Chairman thanked Philip Hambling for his open and honest discussion with local farmers about the retailer’s procurement of British products, she also thanked HSBC for sponsoring the conference.
Abi concluded, “2015 was a tough year for all sectors of the industry and I hope that this year will bring higher market prices. I was pleased to hear that Sainsburys are looking to extend their lamb season this year, I do hope this comes to fruition. We’ve always known, as Philip mentioned, that British products are quality products.”
