THE ANNOUNCEMENT made by retailer Aldi to introduce PGI branded Welsh Lamb products in 29 stores in South and West Wales has been welcomed by the Farmers’ Union of Wales, but the Union says more commitment is needed.
The FUW has long urged supermarkets to commit to the procurement of Welsh and British lamb and beef, as well as dairy products, and to ensure prices paid by suppliers or through direct contracts are such that confidence is revived to the extent which is now needed.
FUW Managing Director Alan Davies, who attended the official launch of the product lines on Thursday, October 13 in Cardiff, said: “It is great news that Aldi is joining a wide range of retailers who have already made a commitment to sourcing Welsh PGI lamb and beef. However, we need that commitment to be extended to all retailers, across all stores and producers need to get paid a fair price with fair contracts.
“What is worth noting as well is that we have a huge market here at home for our produce – in light of our exit from the EU, we must make every effort to promote Welsh lamb, beef and dairy products to our home consumers, who offer an addition to export markets.
“The commitment made by Aldi should also serve as a reminder to the Welsh and UK Government to start planning for more sustainable and supportive public procurement policies. Our schools, hospitals, armed forces and all other public services deserve access to the top quality produce that we grow here in Wales, and our farmers and rural economies deserve recognition for what they produce.”
Alan Davies added: “I am renewing our call for immediate action to initiate draft legislation which will mandate the procurement of British produce by the UK public sector and urge those supermarkets and food-outlets who have not made the commitment to British and Welsh produce to do so without delay. This will support rather than spite the sectors which lie at the heart of our rural economies.”
Wyn Evans, NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman, said: “This commitment by Aldi to stock PGI Welsh Lamb is very welcome news for the livestock sector in a time of uncertainty ahead of Brexit negotiations. We know we have a great product and story to tell and that our PGI Welsh lamb is the best in the world, so it is encouraging that Aldi has recognised this quality.
“Hopefully this will be the start of a long term relationship between the retailer and Welsh lamb producers and we must aim to build on this positive relationship long into the future.”
Will Barstow, Fresh Meat Buying Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are delighted to be introducing five new Welsh lamb products to our existing fresh lamb category as part of our commitment to farmers and local sourcing. Fresh lamb is a versatile product that can be used all year round and we are confident that the new lines will prove popular with shoppers at our stores in south Wales.
“It’s vital for the Welsh red meat industry that our produce is available in all sectors of the retail industry and Aldi’s market segment has seen remarkable growth, especially in Wales where market share is now over 10%,” explained HCC’s Communications Lead Owen Roberts. “Statistics from market research specialists Kantar Worldpanel show the volume of lamb sold by Aldi increased by nearly 14% over the past year and increasing numbers of their consumers are buying more fresh produce.
“HCC works in partnership, and is in regular dialogue with, all UK retailers and many took part in the summer 2016 HCC-led Welsh lamb campaign. Aldi now joins other multiple retailers like Asda, Co-op, J. Sainsbury, M&S, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose in stocking branded PGI Welsh lamb products,” said Owen. “In addition, quality Welsh Lamb products are also available in many independent retailers and at over 300 members of HCC’s Butchers’ Club,” he added.
Many multiple retailers were emphasising their commitment to quality local produce in their advertising. “This resonates with research carried out by HCC at supermarkets over the summer, which showed that nearly 80% of shoppers were keen to buy more Welsh goods. Welsh lamb is an iconic product whose quality reflects the outstanding natural environment in which it is produced,” said Owen.
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Food and drink is a Welsh success story with Welsh lamb at the forefront of our range. I am grateful to Hybu Cig Cymru for all of the work it has carried out to promote this iconic Welsh product.
“I am delighted Aldi will stock premium Welsh lamb in 29 of its stores in South and West Wales. I’m sure it will prove to be hugely popular with customers. Hopefully, this will encourage Aldi to extend the initiative to more of its stores nationwide, which would provide a significant boost to the Welsh lamb trade.”
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