Northern Irish Foyle Foods seeks to increase premium meat for Tesco

Foyle Food Group in Northern Ireland is working to increase the supply of Aberdeen Angus quality for key customers especially top UK retailer Tesco.

Foyle, one of Northern Ireland's leading beef processors headquartered in Derry, is supporting initiatives by the Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef Ltd (AAQB) to attract more farming members as demand for the beef grows strongly and prices to suppliers are increasing.

AAQB is a farmers' co-operative also focused on improving returns for farmers producing the unique Aberdeen Angus taste and tenderness. It was formed in 1998 and is headed by Anne Morrison, the secretary and non-executive. She was recently recognised for agricultural achievement by the Ulster Farmers' Union.

"Our aim 20 years ago was to co-ordinate a weekly supply of suitable stock to a Northern Ireland processor so that the real retail worth of Aberdeen Angus bred cattle would be reflected in producer returns," Anne says.

Foyle Food Group (FFG) was the processor keen to work with the then small group of Aberdeen Angus beef producers. Terry Acheson, Foyle Food chief executive, says: "We are working alongside the producers' co-operative to attract more Aberdeen Angus suppliers and developed a unique bonus scheme to attract more premium quality suppliers. This has increased supply of Aberdeen Angus and continues to be keen to attract further suppliers."

Anne Morrison adds: "The aim was, and still is, to maximise members' returns through a food chain partnership delivering a premium product of consistently high quality to the discerning consumer. As the Aberdeen Angus breed has unrivalled brand awareness with chefs and consumers alike, producer prices should reflect this extra value."

Foyle Food Group has been supplying Aberdeen Angus beef in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland since 2000. Tesco subsequently launched the meat in the retailer's network of stores across the UK. This lead to prices for the meat in England and Wales

being extended to Northern Ireland producers.

Demand for stock continues to grow, hence the opportunity for more farmers to benefit from membership to supply Tesco UK through Foyle Food and the AAQB.