Hereford beef premium to supply Co-op
Hereford beef producers are being offered a premium price to supply the Co-operative’s Truly Irresistible range through UK meat processor Dunbia.
All farm-assured Hereford-sired cattle will be eligible for the scheme, which could rejuvenate the breed’s popularity as a terminal sire, with demand for 400-500 head a week. “Hereford is one of Britain’s finest native beef breeds and we welcome this decision by the Co-operative Group to champion our breed as part of its premium range,” said Richard Mann, chairman of the Hereford Cattle Society.
“Hereford cattle produce naturally marbled beef from forage, which is succulent and full of flavour. This scheme offers a joined-up development approach and long-term commitment to the Hereford supply chain.”
Dunbia will operate a Hereford producer group, designed to improve farm profitability and maintain a supply of high-quality beef. Farmers will be paid a premium over base price for cattle, which must achieve a weight between 260kg and 380kg, with a fat class of 2-4 and a conformation of O, R and U.
The beef will be sold in Co-operative stores across England, Wales and Northern Ireland from April, with Aberdeen Angus continuing to be stocked in Scotland. “All our fresh beef is 100% British, and we have always been strong supporters of the UK farming industry,” said the Co-op’s Matt Hood.
“This producer group scheme for premium beef will enable us to offer our customers a consistent, quality product by working closely with our partner farmers to ensure even more robust supply chains and traceability.”