Beefing up the meat message

A NEW shopper’s guide to buying British beef has been produced to help members of the public read and understand the labels routinely used by major supermarkets.
Rosey Dunn and Linda Bellingham.  Photo: John NguyenRosey Dunn and Linda Bellingham.  Photo: John Nguyen
Rosey Dunn and Linda Bellingham. Photo: John Nguyen

Ladies in Beef, an organisation of female beef farmers who care passionately about British beef, will be handing out free copies of the guide highlighting what people should look for to make sure their meat is home reared, in York city centre on Wednesday.

Rosey Dunn, a Ladies in Beef member from York, said: “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in demand for British beef, with local butchers and farm shops reporting brisk business. Obviously, butchers can talk directly to customers about where their meat comes from, but it’s not quite so easy when shopping in supermarkets.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“That’s why this year we are focusing on supermarket labelling to try and help people buy pre-packed beef and ready meals with confidence – negotiating common pitfalls such as multi-buy deals and breed-specific marketing without compromising a growing desire to buy British.

“As an industry we have been thrilled with people’s response to the whole horsemeat saga and have been grateful for the many messages of support we’ve had.

“We work hard on our farms to produce a top quality product that the nation can be proud of, so it is great to see the public rallying behind us.”

Members will also be serving samples of locally produced beef cooked by York’s Meltons Too restaurant and will explain more about the Red Tractor logo which is an indicator of British beef products. Recipe ideas, nutritional information and cooking tips for different beef cuts will also be on offer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ladies in Beef will be working with the National Farmers’ Union on the day. Members of the public will be invited to take part in a pop-up video trailer and record short video clips pledging to buy British. The clips will contribute to an online social media campaign #buybritish and people who take part will have the chance to win a luxury beef hamper worth £60 from Manor Farm Beef, Driffield.

The focal point for the event will be a full size Massey Ferguson red tractor provided by Selby-based agricultural machinery dealers Peacock and Binnington which will be stationed in Parliament Street, York, between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Related topics: