Trouble in store for lamb sales drive

SOME of the UK’s biggest supermarkets came under fire last night as the proportion of Scottish lamb on their shelves was described as a “major disappointment” by NFU Scotland.

The union yesterday revealed its findings on the availability of home-bred lamb on supermarket shelves – and while it found 100 per cent Scottish or British lamb in Morrisons, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s stores, the volume of imported meat on the shelves in Tesco and Asda was a cause for concern.

Union president Nigel Miller, who joined staff in visiting supermarkets in the Lothians and Borders, said: “This is the time of year when supplies of quality, tasty Scottish lamb are plentiful and the industry’s promotional work focuses on encouraging shoppers to seek out and put some Scotch lamb in their baskets.”

He added that the union would be urging Tesco and Asda to get right behind the lamb sales campaign launched last week by Quality Meat Scotland.

“We hope, when we revisit these stores in the weeks ahead, significantly more packs of Scottish lamb will be filling the shelves.

“Although we are at the start of the season, a higher level of commitment from Tesco and Asda to home-produced product would send out a positive message to farmers. That will generate the confidence and stability needed on sheep farms and help ensure that lambs continue to be brought forward to the marketplace in an orderly manner and in the best condition.”

ANDREW ARBUCKLE