Major UK supermarket to end sales of NZ lamb

Waitrose wants to support British lamb producers.
Waitrose wants to support British lamb producers. Photo credit: Getty

Major UK supermarket chain Waitrose will stop selling New Zealand lamb.

Waitrose has previously sourced some of its lamb from New Zealand during the winter months.

However from the summer of 2021, it will source all of its own-label fresh and frozen lamb from British lamb producers 365 days of the year. 

It wants to increase its production of lamb in the UK, which it said it will achieve firstly by extending opportunity to its existing lamb producers and by welcoming new ones into its supply chain.

Waitrose spokesperson, Tor Harris said the company planned to extend its commitment to UK lamb producers as it focused its investment on the future of British agriculture. 

Waitrose will sell only British lamb from 2021.
Waitrose will sell only British lamb from 2021. Photo credit: Supplied/Waitrose

"We have always offered British Lamb on our service counters all year round and we are delighted to be able to extend that strategy to the pre-pack lamb assortment.

"Although we are already in a great position, we are constantly looking at ways to innovate our product and are actively looking to partner with new lamb producers around Britain to ensure we continue to offer great tasting, high quality lamb all year round," he said.

All of the supermarket's fresh chicken, pork, beef, eggs and liquid milk is already sourced exclusively from the UK.