In some much-needed good news for the pig sector, Tesco has announced the expansion of its Sustainable Pig Group (TSPG), increasing the number of pigs supplied through the scheme by almost 30%.
The TSPG will now cover around 23% of Tesco’s British pork supply and 15% of its total pig meat supply. It now produces all Tesco’s Finest fresh pork, with the aim of producing all Tesco’s core fresh pork and sausages, and extending this to more products in the pig meat category over the next two years.
The move coincides with a 20% year-on-year increase in Tesco’s British pig meat volumes, with British pork now accounting for 65% of total pig meat sales.
Tesco said the expansion represents an additional, annual investment of nearly £2 million into the British pig farming sector, with the group estimated to be worth over £670m over the initial three years.
The group sees farmers receive a combination of cost of production and market price+ incentives, related for example to flexible farrowing and sustainability, giving producers greater stability in pricing, and help to support longer-term investment, Tesco said. Within the TSPG, more than 80% of pigs are bred to higher welfare standards, including outdoor bred or ‘dynamic farrowing systems’. All farmers in the group track carbon footprint data and are working to reduce emissions.
It was relaunched last year in partnership with Tesco’s long-term supplier, Cranswick. As part of the expansion, Sofina, also an existing Tesco pork supplier, has joined the group, with all farmers in the group benefiting from long-term contracts.
The retailer said the group is playing a significant role in developing Tesco’s approach to sustainable production, providing a forum for suppliers, farmers and Tesco colleagues to come together and improve welfare, innovation, quality standards and collaboration.
Drive growth
Natalie Smith, head of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, at Tesco said: “Conditions for our dedicated British farmers continue to be challenging – as British agriculture’s biggest customer, we want to do all we can to drive growth in the sector and improve supply chain resilience.
“The expansion of our Tesco Sustainable Pig Group is a key part of this aim. The group provides our British pig farmers with real incentives to invest in key welfare, sustainability and efficiency improvements, including the switch to dynamic farrowing systems, while our customers benefit from even more quality British pork.”
Graham Wilkinson, group agriculture director, Sofina Foods Europe said: “Sofina is proud to support Tesco’s continued development of the Tesco Sustainable Pig Group. The expansion of the group is a positive step for our independent farmers and the long-term resilience of the British pig sector.
“In a rapidly changing industry, partnerships like this provide farmers with greater confidence and stability, enabling investment in sustainable production while maintaining high animal welfare and environmental standards.
“It also further strengthens our long-standing relationship with Tesco, which is built on shared values and a shared commitment to supporting farming communities for the long term.”
Adam Couch, Cranswick’s chief executive officer,said: “It is great to see Tesco’s continued commitment to British pig farming, and we are delighted to be expanding the Sustainable Pig Group with them to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
“Our own farming expertise, long-standing partnership with Tesco, and aligned independent producers will undoubtedly accelerate the transition to higher welfare indoor systems and sustainable agricultural practices. We are excited to see the progress of this market-leading approach and how it can benefit both producers and consumers alike.”
Tesco’s also runs Sustainable Farming Groups across milk, cheese, beef, lamb and potatoes provide, which forums for farmers and suppliers to come together with Tesco colleagues and discuss best practice in areas including sustainability, biodiversity, and animal welfare.