According to AHDB’s latest Lamb Watch survey published today, British lamb accounted for 73 per cent of facings in the major supermarkets in June 2015.
 
As the British lamb season hits its peak, AHDB reported that four of the multiple retailers – Morrisons, Waitrose, Budgen’s and Aldi – had 100 per cent British lamb facings. The Co-operative was furthest behind with just 38 per cent British lamb facings, followed by Sainsbury’s (54 per cent), Lidl (55 per cent) and ASDA (66 per cent). AHDB said that the figures show that some major multiples could do more to help the lamb sector.
 
Welcoming the figures’ publication, NFU livestock board chair Charles Sercombe said, “Farmers will be disappointed with the figures, given that there is obvious potential for our supply chain to capitalise on both seasonality and the increased availability of British lamb this year. Factor in the lowest lamb prices for five years and the arguments for promoting our… product at this time of year are compelling.  However, not all retailers are promoting British lamb across all tiers.”
 
Figures also revealed a drop in stocking British lamb by some retailers; Tesco had three precent less British lamb on its shelves in June 2015 than in the previous year.

The NFU chair said he wanted clearer announcements on seasonal stocking from Tesco, Asda and the Cooperative. He said, “While the figures from AHDB give a valuable insight on dynamics at the retail level, my preference would be to see transparency from our retailers on a consistent basis and particularly a clear commitment to deliver on British lamb sourcing. Accurately forecasting demand, matching to supply and scheduling throughput should be more than achievable. That’s why I want to see the lamb supply chain get closer to producers, improve communication and offer direct contracts.”