Poor wheat yield makes biscuit makers eat their words over all-British pledge

Last year’s poor wheat harvest is set to force the makers of one of Britain’s best-loved biscuits to use imported wheat.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th May 2013, 01:01 BST
The production line at the McVitie's factory in StockportThe production line at the McVitie's factory in Stockport
The production line at the McVitie's factory in Stockport

Packets of McVitie’s Digestives currently carry a logo with the Union Flag and a pledge that only 100 per cent British wheat is used.

But according to The Grocer magazine, the snack company’s owner, United Biscuits, has admitted it will probably have to start using a blend of UK and imported wheat in the coming months.

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The Grocer reported the food company tried to use as much British wheat as possible, but a United Biscuits spokesman explained “the British weather, and consequently crop yields, are variable”.

“So we have arrangements to blend in wheat from other sources to maintain the high quality of our products.”

The crop of soft wheat – especially good for certain types of biscuits – was particularly hard-hit by the low UK yield.

The Grocer news editor Ronan Hegarty said: “With the Jubilee and Olympics last year a lot of brands saw great potential in promoting their British credentials. Unfortunately the classic British weather is making it almost impossible for them to meet some of their pledges.”

Other big brands forced to renege on 100 per cent-British sourcing pledges include Hovis and Weetabix Minis, the magazine reported.

Related topics:BritainUnion FlagHovis