Asda is now the eighth UK supermarket to introduce a dedicated ‘Buy British’ section aimed at promoting locally sourced produce.
- This initiative aligns with national efforts to support local farmers and reduce carbon emissions.
- Asda’s move follows a direct request from Defra and over 110 MPs pressing grocers for such changes.
- Major retailers like Sainsbury’s and Tesco have already adopted similar strategies in the past year.
- The National Farmers Union praises this as a victory for their campaign to highlight British products.
Asda has taken a significant step by joining other major UK supermarkets in launching a ‘Buy British’ section on its online platform. This effort highlights the growing importance placed on supporting local agriculture and the UK’s economy. The section will offer a variety of products ranging from meats and poultry to fruits and vegetables, making it easier for customers to access British-sourced produce.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) played a pivotal role, encouraging supermarkets to facilitate consumer access to locally produced goods. Earlier this year, more than 110 MPs also voiced their support, advocating for such sections in an open letter to supermarkets. This collective push aims to not only support the local economy but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported goods.
The response from the National Farmers Union has been notably positive. Deputy President David Exwood commented on the success of having all eight major supermarkets onboard, underlining the public’s desire to purchase local products: ‘We know from our independent research that the public want to buy more British food from retailers.’ This sentiment reflects an increasing consumer trend towards ethical and sustainable purchasing choices.
This development mirrors a broader movement across various UK supermarkets, with the likes of Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Co-op, Ocado, Aldi, Waitrose, and Tesco having already implemented their dedicated British produce sections in recent months. Such strategies are expected to bolster the visibility of local products and enhance consumer trust by providing a straightforward option to support national agriculture.
The inclusion of ‘Buy British’ sections across key UK supermarkets signals a significant shift towards supporting local produce and economies.
