Sainsbury’s and Cranswick Forge 10-Year Supply Partnership
Sainsbury’s has strengthened its relationship with meat and poultry giant Cranswick through a new 10-year supply agreement. Under this deal, Cranswick will provide all of Sainsbury’s British pork, sausages, premium bacon, gammon, and cooked meats.
This partnership aims to offer longer-term contracts and greater financial stability for the 170 farmers who supply Cranswick via the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group. The companies believe this will give farmers the confidence to invest in farms, factories, and procedures, thereby building resilience for the future.
The collaboration is also set to enhance welfare standards for the By Sainsbury’s British pork range, exceeding Red Tractor standards while maintaining great value for customers. The Taste the Difference pork range will continue to meet the RSPCA Assured standard, as it has for the past 17 years.
Rhian Bartlett, Sainsbury’s chief commercial officer, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “This 10-year partnership with Cranswick means that we are able to place a bigger focus on animal welfare, financial security for our farmers, and sustainable production of our pork range; all while protecting value for customers.”
Sainsbury’s plans to invest £50 million to implement new production standards by 2030, with Cranswick contributing an additional £11 million to build new sheds and housing for pigs. This includes investment in flexible farrowing accommodation, providing extra space for sows and piglets.
The introduction of AI technology will enable 24/7 monitoring of the animals, informing improvements to welfare. Jim Brisby, Cranswick’s chief commercial officer, stated, “The purpose of the new partnership is to provide a total supply chain approach delivering a robust and differentiated consumer offer across British pork-related categories including fresh joints and steaks, sausages, cooked meats, and premium bacon and gammon.”
Bartlett added, “There is an ever-evolving relationship between retailers, farmers, and processors, but we hope this news serves as a good example of what is possible when people come together in the food system.”
Original story: The Grocer
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