July 2, 2013

For the first time in three years, British pig producers are making a profit, according to the latest provisional estimates from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

"Overall costs have declined significantly since the start of the year as global cereal and oilseed prices have eased back as prospects for the 2013-14 season have improved," reports AHDB analyst Stephen Howarth.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury has pledged to buy 100% British pork, in a move that will double its fresh pork purchases measured by weight.

The retailer is rolling out the British-only fresh pork initiative from Wednesday July 3 and expected to complete it by July 10. By that date, all Sainsbury's fresh pork - including loins, chops and joints -across its basics, by Sainsbury's and Taste the Difference will sourced from Britain.

The increase of British pigs to meet the demand across by Sainsbury's and basics range will increase by 70%, it predicted.

While the entire supermarket's ham and sausages are British, its bacon and gammon continued to be British, Dutch or Danish.

Sainsbury said the pledge would give pig farmers the confidence to invest in their future and reduces reliance on pork from the EU including Dutch and Danish products. "Sainsbury's has built its investment as part of its commitment to double the amount of British food it sells by 2020 and responded to customers increasing interest in home grown food," it said in a statement.

All Sainsbury's fresh pork sold in Northern Ireland stores is 100% Northern Irish pork. Meanwhile, all its fresh chicken is British and has been for more than 10 years. In addition, from July 3, all its breaded and roast chicken and frozen whole bird and portions will be British.

The British-only policy also applied to the chicken in its fresh ready meals, pies, pizza topping, quiches and soups - with the exception of continental meats.