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A number of British supermarket chains have committed to addressing carcase balance issues in the beef sector by promoting steaks to customers.
The issue is the result of reduced demand for higher-value cuts, such as steak and roasting joints, due to the closure of restaurants and other foodservice outlets amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In response to a letter from the chair of Stormont’s agriculture committee, Declan McAleer, Marks and Spencer (M&S) said that product innovation and promotions for steak have led to increased beef sales in its stores.
Increase in demand
“The net effect of the steps that we are taking has seen our cattle demand increase by circa 5% since the government’s lockdown came into force,” said Paul Willgoss from M&S.
Supermarket chains Asda and Iceland also responded to McAleer with both retailers stating that they will promote higher-value beef products to help address the carcase imbalance issue.
“We are working closely with the industry to try and create a route to market for those cuts of beef for which demand has been impacted by the closure of pubs and restaurants,” Keith Hann from Iceland said.
Promotion
In his response, Joe McDonald from Asda confirmed: “We will play our part in promoting steaks and roasting joints to address the carcase imbalance issue.”
The furore which followed the UFU’s recent exposure of Polish beef in Asda and Sainsbury’s stores has put retailers under increased scrutiny about the origin of products on supermarket shelves. Earlier this week, Marks & Spencer announced that it is launching a six-week TV and digital campaign to encourage support for UK farmers, with new sales initiatives to include a 100% British meat food box.
The retailer, which currently is selling New Zealand lamb, will also move to 100% British lamb from June.
Batters takes aim at Irish beef
The president of the National Farmer’s Union (NFU) Minette Batters has criticised major British supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco for stocking Irish beef.
In a weekly video blog, she pointed the finger at Sainsbury’s in particular, for having shelves full of round-end cuts of Irish beef.
That is despite assurances being given to farmers that retailers would help promote and sell the high quality cuts currently stockpiled as a result of the closure of foodservice.
Speaking at the start of Great British Beef Week, Batters told NFU members: “At a time when retailers should be supporting British farmers more than ever and promoting these quality cuts of British beef, it is indefensible that customers who want to support British farmers by buying British food are only finding Irish cuts on shelves in some stores.”
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