October 11, 2007

British producers cheer as Morrisons promise to sell only British pork

Morrisons, one of the big four British supermarket chains, has agreed to sell 100 percent fresh British pork, the first among the big four to do so.

Chief executive Marc Bolland made the announcement to BPISG demonstrators at the IGD Congress in London Wednesday (October 10, 2007).

The news was welcomed by NPA chairman Stewart Houston who said the move could offset the decision by some retailers to import more pork.

UK producers have faced a barrage of domestic and external restrictions due to the recent Foot-and-Mouth Disease cases in the country.

NPA's Stewart Houston said Morrisons' pledge to move from 95 percent British to all-British pork takes effect immediately.

The company would sell only British pork once existing imported stocks were sold, the company promised.

Houston said that it was too soon to gauge the effect that Morrisons' decision would have on pork prices. However, he will be asking British Pig Executive to analyse the impact of the other the leading retailers- Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco following suit.

Producers believe that Morrisons' pledge sends an important signal to other retailers and would help clear the pileup of unsold pigs still in the market due to recent FMD restrictions.

Pig producers in the UK say they are losing more than GBP 10 (US$20.42) a pig and hope to see a turnaround soon.