Morrisons, Asda and Sainsbury’s under fire for selling more imported chicken and beef
UK supermarkets are increasingly stocking cheaper imported chicken and beef from countries including Australia, Poland, and Uruguay,
UK supermarkets are increasingly stocking cheaper imported chicken and beef from countries including Australia, Poland, and Uruguay, raising concerns among farmers about the impact on the British meat industry.
The Guardian reports that the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) highlights Morrisons’ introduction of Polish raw chicken and Australian sirloin steak to its shelves. Both imports come from countries with lower production standards than the UK, drawing criticism from farming groups.
Morrisons, a key sponsor of Clarkson’s Farm, insists it remains committed to British farmers, but critics say the move undermines that stance.
Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson Tim Farron said: “This is appalling from Morrisons. They seek kudos for their UK sourcing but then sneakily do this, undermining British farmers and undermining their own integrity and brand.”
Other retailers are also expanding their imported meat ranges. Asda recently introduced sirloin and ribeye steaks from Uruguay, priced around 20% lower than their UK equivalents, while Sainsbury’s has added wagyu beef from New Zealand.
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Hertfordshire beef farmer Stuart Roberts told the Guardian: “With farmers under pressure from multiple directions I’d be fascinated to learn why Asda have decided this is an appropriate time to start stocking Uruguayan beef. There is no excuse for this huge betrayal of the UK’s hard-working family farms. Consumers and farmers deserve better.”
Retailers say the imports help offer “outstanding value” amid rising UK meat prices. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reports UK farm gate beef prices rose nearly 44% year-on-year in early May, while production is expected to decline due to reduced profitability and subsidy cuts.
NFU livestock board chair David Barton added: “It’s deeply concerning to see major retailers now move away from their previous commitments to sourcing British … in favour of imports, many of which have been produced to lower standards.”
He emphasised the importance of retailer partnerships for maintaining high welfare standards and sustainable supply chains.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “Morrisons remains 100% British on all our meat counters. In our aisles – alongside our New Zealand lamb – we are introducing trials of some imported meat from trusted suppliers to help us offer outstanding value through the seasons and through any supply fluctuations.”
An Asda spokesperson said: “We always look to offer customers a wide choice of products to suit all budgets, and the country of origin is always clearly labelled on pack so customers can make an informed choice about their purchases. Grass & Grill steaks are provided by a branded partner and available in our stores for a limited time only. All of Asda’s own brand fresh beef continues to be sourced from farms in the UK and Republic of Ireland.”
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson added: “We’re proud to work with thousands of British farmers year-round and the vast majority of our beef range is sourced from the UK and Ireland. These seasonal products account for just 0.1% of our beef range and are an example of where there are times we may also source from elsewhere like New Zealand, so that we can continue to meet customer demand.”
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