Tesco Argentinian beef trial faces industry criticism

Farmers and their representatives have slammed a trial of Argentinian beef cuts on fresh meat counters in six Tesco stores in Wales.

The South American meat was brought to the attention of NFU Cymru after several members raised concerns over the products, which travelled over 7,200 miles to reach the UK.

The decision from Tesco was totally contradictory to what the public wanted, said NFU Cymru vice-president John Davies.

See also: Hogan warns of UK-US ‘bloodbath’ in future agri-trade talks

“Where has the demand for this come from?” he asked.

Mr Davies added: “All recent surveys are saying the public wants to back British – they want shorter supply chains, not longer ones – this is simply not acceptable behaviour.”

A Tesco spokesperson responded, saying that the trial was for popular restaurant products – Argentinian and Wagyu beef – and sat alongside its usual range on meat counters.

Tesco said: “We’re always looking to explore new food trends and trial new products and flavours with our customers, and are running a limited trial.

“We are proud supporters of British and Irish beef, which continues to be available all year round on our fresh meat counters.”

Beef imports

Argentinian beef imports made up just 0.13% of total UK beef imports in 2016, according to AHDB Beef and Lamb.

But the latest import figures for February 2017 show that UK imports of Argentine beef rose by 37% on the same month a year ago, at 44.3 tonnes; these were mainly for fresh, chilled, boneless cuts.

Imports of South American beef are highly competitive on the continent, despite imports being subject to EU tariffs of 20% and higher.

Post-Brexit trial?

Former National Beef Association director and Dorset beef and sheep farmer, John Hoskins, thought the trial was driven by Tesco looking at the viability of South American beef in the UK, in anticipation of post-Brexit trade deals.

“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this was a test run for a new marketplace. When you hear Mr Tesco saying that he supports the British farmer, the words mean nothing?

“Tesco should look to the home market first. If we can’t supply it, then look abroad,” Mr Hoskins said.

“We’ve got the land mass, we aren’t overstocked with beef cattle and if (Tesco) will pay a price that we can make a profit and reinvest, then they should support the British farmer first.”