According to Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke, UK consumers treat Irish and British beef the same on Tesco shelves. Clarke is reported to have made the comments when responding to criticism from the NFU for buying less British beef. Clarke’s comments will further reinforce the view of Irish farmers that so-called labelling issues are being used to lock down live exports as opposed to being consumer-led.

Meanwhile, CEO of Sainsbury’s Justin King has reiterated that the supermarket will not support the Red Tractor labelling system. Speaking at an NFU conference this week, King said Sainsbury’s does not want to support the Red Tractor as it sets the bar low and consumers do not differentiate between labelled and non-labelled products. King added that “frankly anybody” can get use of the logo.