The Co-operative Group is to convert all its own-brand pre-packed ham to 100% UK pork from 9 March.
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The move, which includes all products with the exception of continental hams such as parma and prosciutto, will extend further during 2009 to include all Co-operative own-brand ham sold over deli counters.
This initiative, the company said today (6 March), demonstrates its commitment to UK farmers and animal welfare standards. Around 73 UK farms will supply the Co-op’s UK ham.
The switch follows the recent move to using only outdoor-reared Freedom Food-accredited Hampshire breed pork in the Co-op’s Truly Irresistible range of pork, bacon and sausages.
The retailer said it is also planning to introduce “even higher-welfare criteria” to all its own-brand standard fresh pork by this autumn, when all its pigs will be reared to the firm’s own higher-welfare Elmwood specification.
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By GlobalData“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to our customers and members to lead the way on animal welfare issues, whilst supporting British farmers and championing British products,” said Debbie Robinson, the Co-op’s director of food retail marketing.
“The Co-operative sells almost 110 tonnes of ham per week, so it’s a significant move to ensure that it is all British going forward.”
