Asda sourcing more British pork, Porkwatch survey shows

Asda has increased the proportion of British pork and bacon on its shelves, the latest AHDB Porkwatch survey shows.

The November survey showed that 53% of the fresh pork on display in Asda’s stores was British, its highest figure in this category for at least two years and a significant improvement on the September figure of 43% and the 40% recorded a year ago.

The Leeds-based retailer, which typically lags behinds its competitors when it comes to sourcing British pork products, also increased its proportion of British bacon facings to 32%, up from 29% in September, while the figure for sausage increased slightly to 85%. Its proportion of British ham fell, however, from 30% in September to just 22%.

In contrast, the proportion of British fresh pork on display at Tesco stores fell from 66% in September to 59%, with bacon down from 43% to just 33% in the latest survey.

You can view the November survey here

Overall, across the 11 retailers surveyed, the figure for fresh pork was unchanged on September at 79%, while British bacon and sausage facings were down fractionally at 48% and 85% respectively. Ham was down from 63% to 60%.

Other notable findings from the November survey include:

•       Budgens returned to 100% British pork, while Aldi, Budgens the Co-op, Lidl, Marks &Spencer, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s all recorded the same figure. However, Waitrose slipped to 99% due to a branded Iberico product.
•       The Co-op, M&S and Waitrose recorded 100% on British bacon.
•       M&S and Waitrose displayed 100% British sausages, while Aldi was up to 99%, returning to levels last seen in July 2018.
•       Sainsbury’s British bacon facings increased to 55%, compared with 51% in September and 45% in November 2018.

NPA comment

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: “We welcome signs that Asda is sourcing more British fresh pork and bacon, although looking at the price of EU pork right now which has surpassed UK prices because of ASF in China, it is not a huge surprise and there is still plenty of room for improvement when it comes to supporting British pork producers.

"It is also encouraging to see advances made by others, including Budgens and continued support from Aldi. As ever, we thank those retailers that continue to demonstrate strong support for high quality assured British pork products and will continue to challenge those who could do better.”