BRC slams beef profiteering claim

17 April 1998

BRC slams beef profiteering claim

THE British Retail Consortium (BRC) dismissed claims by the BBC that butchers were “profiteering” from low beef prices paid to farmers.

The BBCs Farming Today programme claimed retailers sold average sized bullocks for about £1,567.86 each, leaving them with about £890 to pay off overheads and make a profit.

Meanwhile, farmers received about £645 for the same animal – representing a £32 loss.

The BRC called the claims irresponsible. It said the programme had underestimated costs involved in slaughtering, butchering, packaging and distribution.

• Financial Times 17/04/98 page 8