Waitrose announces lamb and beef price increases

Retailer Waitrose has announced “ground-breaking” price increases for its group of more than 1500 beef and lamb suppliers.

The supermarket announced an above-market 10p/kg increase to beef farmers, taking its base price for beef cattle to 225p/kg deadweight.

It also introduced staged increases over the next 18 months with the aim of reaching a base level payment of 250p/kg.

Above market levels

From the forums There is no sense waiting for producers to be going out of business before realising that a sensible price will keep things right for all. I hope that Waitrose benefits from this decision. Well done. Ally R Have your say

Lamb farmers supplying the supermarket will also receive a minimum of 230p/kg for the rest of the season, well above market levels which have fallen to as low as 170p/kg.

Waitrose said the increases were designed to protect beef and lamb farmers from volatility in the market and offer financial protection in the wake of Bluetongue (blue tongue) and Foot-and-Mouth disease.

The moves, which are the first by any supermarket in Britain, set a standard for the entire supermarket industry, the supermarket added.

‘Crisis’

Heather Jenkins, Waitrose head of meat buying, said with the livestock market place “in crisis”, many farmers were facing the choice of leaving the industry or switching to arable farming.

“Both we and our customers want to ensure that our farmers can continue to produce the very best beef and lamb, both now and in the long term,” she said.

“These new base level payments will allow farmers to plan ahead and give them some protection while market conditions are so challenging.”

‘Ground breaking’

The NFU said the long-term price guarantees were “ground-breaking” and 

From the forums:  I think this warrants a “If you buy meat from supermarkets, buy it from Waitrose,” message to friends and aqaintances. Hareley Farmer Have your say

called for other supermarkets to follow suit.

Thomas Binns, NFU livestock board chairman, said unless similar firm price assurances were put in place, beef and sheep producers would leave the industry and production would plummet.

“To avoid, it is vital that other retailers take the necessary steps to commit to a sustainable supply chain that ensures the future for British beef and lamb.

“We will talk to other retailers about a package of measures that could facilitate this.”