Supermarket giant Asda has been accused of turning its back on British farmers after withdrawing its promise to stock only British beef in their stores.
The retailer’s commitment to using 100 per cent British beef was announced in October last year and pulled back just before Christmas.
British Beef Association CEO Neil Shand, said he was massively disappointed by Asda’s u-turn after three months.
“Our members have worked very hard to support retail during the pandemic it’s disappointing at the first opportunity they’ve had to turn their back on British farmers they’ve taken it,” added Mr Shand.
NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay added: “Given the significant changes to trade and agricultural policy, it is more important than ever that our retailers champion British food and farming and that, fundamentally, any sourcing commitments they make are honoured.”
However, Asda claimed it was not abandoning British beef but would instead be mixing it with Irish beef.
In the UK other supermarkets including Marks & Spencers, Waitrose, Morrisons, the Coop, Aldi and Lidl have all pledged to stock 100 per cent British beef.
An Asda spokesperson responded: “Unfortunately, the price of British beef has risen and whilst we continue to work hard to keep prices as low as possible for our customers, these increases are significant.”
LSL News.