Tesco has announced it will continue its multi-million pound investment in the growth of the British Aberdeen Angus herd, with 1,600 farmers in the UK set to benefit from new 12 month contracts which will guarantee a price above the standard market rate for beef.

The Aberdeen Angus farmers are located across the UK and supply Tesco with all its Finest beef steaks, mince and joints. Aberdeen Angus beef is recognised for its quality, and all the cuts included in Tesco’s range are aged for 28 days, providing customers with the best possible quality and flavour.

To coincide with the introduction of the new contracts, Tesco is re-launching its Tesco Sustainable Farming Group for Beef. The Group becomes the 10th Tesco Sustainable Farming Group following the setting up of groups in areas including dairy, pork, lamb, poultry, eggs, potatoes and brassicas.

The groups provide a forum to discuss sustainable production, customer needs, Tesco’s quality standards and how Tesco and its supply base can work more closely together. They also play an important role in terms of securing supply, increasing efficiency and improving animal welfare.

Tesco’s Commercial Director for Fresh Food, George Wright said:

“We’re committed to building long-term, transparent partnerships with our suppliers, growers and farmers. These new contracts and the reformation of our Sustainable Farming Group for beef strengthens the partnerships we have with our farmers and means they can build their businesses and invest for the future, while providing our customers with the best quality British beef.”

David Knox, Sales Account Manager at Foyle Group, one of Tesco’s Aberdeen Angus beef processors, said:

"We are delighted with Tesco’s ongoing commitment and investments in their Finest range. The new contract will help secure long term sustainability for the beef sector. We are also excited about Tesco’s restructuring their Sustainable Farming Group for Beef as it will act as a great platform in allowing suppliers to bring forward innovative ideas to deliver positive influence for the Industry."

Animals are reared to Red Tractor welfare standards and Tesco’s Beef Livestock Codes of Practice.