Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a £2.1 billion investment to “extend its commitment to sourcing British” meats, following the retailer’s new 10-year contract with ABP and Dunbia.
The supermarket said the move will support around 3,500 farms across the UK, who have agreed to supply M&S with British beef and lamb.
The 10-year agreements with the two suppliers will ensure British meat is on shelves in M&S foodhalls “all-year round”, with exclusive ranges including Wagyu Gold, Aberdeen Angus Gold, and organic lines being maintained as well.
M&S stated that the long-term nature of the contracts is designed to give farmers and processors the confidence to invest in their businesses, particularly at a time of rising input costs and increased global competition.
M&S
The managing director of M&S Food, Alex Freudmann emphasised that British farmers remain central to ensuring the welfare standards and quailty of the retailer’s food catalogue.
He said: “M&S Food offers the best quality at great value, and it’s our British farmers who uphold our market-leading welfare standards, and produce food to the quality our customers expect.
“But farmers face a number of challenges and now, more than ever, need UK retailers to commit to sourcing from within the UK.”
Freudmann added that the new agreement will “support longer-term investments and security for farmers for years to come.”
M&S also outlined that the long-term contracts will give suppliers the confidence to invest in the latest technology and methods to maintain and improve food quality.
According to the retailer, Dunbia is currently planning on opening new salt drying chambers exclusive to M&S, while ABP have invested in “latest state of the art equipment” used for packaging and cutting meat.
Suppliers
Michael Doran, who is the managing director of Dunbia, noted that the contract was a “significant milestone” for the processing company.
He commented: “This agreement strengthens our ability to support the network of dedicated British farmers who are central to our supply chain.
“Their expertise, high welfare standards, and commitment to sustainable farming underpin everything we do.”
CEO of ABP UK, Kevin Cahill also welcomed the announcement of an agreement with M&S.
“This long-term agreement will enable us to invest in the future of the supply chain and provide greater security for our farmer suppliers in the years ahead,” Cahill said.
This 10-year contract for British lamb and beef forms part of M&S’ Plan A For Farming strategy, which runs to 2030.