Scotland’s fastest growing retailer, Aldi, has been praised for its continued support of the Scottish beef industry after the most recent NFU Scotland ‘shelf watch’ survey revealed 86 per cent of fresh beef burgers stocked on its shelves were labelled Scotch Beef PGI.
Due to concerns around imports and current beef price deflation, NFU Scotland’s Livestock Committee requested a survey of supermarkets’ beef burgers to find out how consistent support for Scottish beef was.
Aldi topped the chart with 86 per cent of beef burgers on its shelves labelled as Scotch Beef PGI, followed by Tesco with 72 per cent and Lidl with 49 per cent.
It is the second time this year Aldi has been praised for its support of the Scottish beef industry after a shelf watch survey carried out in March revealed 96 per cent of its fresh beef was labelled Scotch Beef PGI. The supermarket has also received praise from the Scottish red meat industry for stocking 100% Scotch Lamb PGI and 100% Specially Selected Pork in its everyday ranges.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, ALDI Scotland, said: “Our commitment to Scottish farmers and the Scotch Beef industry is unwavering and I’m pleased this has been recognised in NFU Scotland’s most recent shelf watch survey.
“It is important supermarkets support an industry that is so integral to Scotland, and by ensuring the majority of our beef burgers are Scotch Beef PGI, we’re also making it easier for our customers to buy quality, local produce.”
Earlier this year, Aldi launched a series of six Native Cattle Breed Scotch Burgers as part of its 25th anniversary in Scotland celebrations. Created in partnership with Scotbeef, the range of quality assured burgers champion Scotland’s most valued native breeds.
Launching on Thursday 25th July as part of the supermarket’s Special Buy range is the Luing burger, made from 100% certified Scotch Beef PGI.
Originating from the Isle of Luing in Argyll, the breed was evolved by the Cadzow brothers who saw the potential in combining the complementary qualities of the Beef Shorthorn with the Highlander – one of Scotland’s hardiest breeds. The Luing is a grass-fed breed which produces top-quality beef celebrated for its distinct flavour and tenderness.
When meat is labelled as Scotch Beef PGI it means it has been sourced from farms that meet the most stringent criteria in animal welfare and natural production methods. This means customers can shop at Aldi safe in the knowledge that the beef they buy is fully traceable back to the farm of origin.
Aldi’s commitment to local farmers and producers was recognised at this year’s Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards where the supermarket was crowned Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year.
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