Farm group 'disappointed' over level of lamb imports to Tesco and Asda

The lamb season needs more retailer support according to the National Farmers' Union who found 'disappointing' levels of imports in Tesco and Asda stores.

As part of its regular Shelfwatch examination of supermarket shelves, the group found 100% British lamb in Morrisons, Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's stores, but the volume of imported lamb on the Tesco and Asda stores came as a 'major disappointment'.

The lamb season is now in full swing and farmers are calling on retailers to get behind campaigns to give shoppers the best chance of buying more British lamb.

NFU Scotland President Nigel Miller, who joined staff in visiting supermarkets in the Lothians and Borders, said: “Given the volumes that they require, retailers are key to a successful season for Scottish lamb. Staff and officeholder visits to stores in the past few weeks found Morrisons, Sainsburys and Marks & Spencer exclusively stocked with British and Scottish lamb. However, it was a huge disappointment to find around half of shelf space in Tesco and Asda being taken up by New Zealand or Australian imports, even after the campaign launch.

“Given that there are ample supplies of great Scottish lamb coming forward from farms, we will be urging Tesco and Asda to get right behind the campaign and dedicate more space to home-produced product on their shelves. We hope, when we revisit these stores in the weeks ahead, significantly more packs of Scottish lamb will be filling the shelves.

“The ‘Wham, Bam, Thank You Lamb’ campaign runs right through September. There still remains a tremendous opportunity for these retailers to tap into the genuine demand from their customers for fresh, tasty local product and they, in turn, will get some real benefit out of stronger support for Scottish produce.

“Although we are at the start of the season, a higher level of commitment from Tesco and Asda to home-produced product would send out a positive message to farmers. That will generate the confidence and stability needed on sheep farms and help ensure that lambs continue to be brought forward to the marketplace in an orderly manner and in the best condition.”