The two organisations are working to increase the amount of Scottish pork on supermarket shelves
One of Scotland’s leading manufacturers of quality meat and poultry is celebrating over 10 years of partnership with Aldi Scotland, as they extend their commitment to the Scottish Pork industry.
In recent years, Scottish pork production has faced significant disruption from both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, causing prices to fall below the cost of production which has been further exacerbated by cheaper supplies being sourced from outwith the UK.
The two businesses have worked closely together to reinforce their commitment to Specially Selected Pork, to reassure both farmers and consumers that Scottish pork will be readily available on every Aldi shelf in Scotland.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Established in 1885, Browns Food Group now operates from seven manufacturing sites, producing, and supplying a range of cooked meats, including poultry, pre-sliced and whole joints, as well as convenience foods, salmon, and a variety of delicatessen items.
Recently, Browns acquired Quality Pork Processors Ltd (QPPL), Scotland’s largest pork processing plant, and family-run Robertsons Fine Food. This has led them to centralising their supply chain within Scotland, strengthening the pork processing industry as a whole and reducing their food miles through improved logistics and closer welfare management.
Aldi has recently been revealed as the top supermarket in Scotland when it comes to stocking the most Scottish produce. This was announced on 8 February 2024 by the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) when they released the results from their largest ever survey of Scottish supermarket shelves.
The survey, which was conducted on behalf of farmers and crofters, took place in 71 stores, including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Lidl, and Aldi, over a two-day period. The results showed that Aldi was the only retailer to stock 100% Specially Selected Pork. Aldi also had the highest percentage of Scottish products across eggs, chicken, vegetables, cheese, and butter.
Roderic Bruce, Scottish Pig Farmer, said: “We are delighted that Aldi are continuing their long-standing support for Specially Selected Pork as the only brand that guarantees the pork is from Scotland and is produced under the strict quality standards that we are proud to comply with.”
Wayne Godfrey, CEO of Browns Food Group said: “Aldi Scotland’s commitment to Specially Selected Pork has always been strong and they are currently our only retail customer for our full range of fresh Scottish Pork.
“As champions of Scottish Pork, Aldi’s commitment and encouragement has supported our supply chain and its accreditation by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) ensures the highest welfare product reaches the consumer’s plate.
“Our recent acquisitions demonstrate our deep commitment to a sustainable Scottish pork industry and provides us with the opportunity to process high welfare local pork for our own manufacturing sites as well as for retail, foodservice and wholesale channels. We hope our work with Aldi inspires other supermarkets to follow suit and commit 100% to Scottish pork on their shelves.”
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Browns Food Group is a true success story in the Scottish food industry, having grown from small beginnings all the way back in 1885 to becoming one of Scotland’s leading manufacturers of quality meat and the countries’ largest pork processor.
“Aldi Scotland is committed to supporting local farmers who bring quality pork products to our shelves, so we’re delighted to partner with Browns as they lead the way in building a stronger future for the Scottish pork industry.”
A range of sausages including Specially Selected Scottish Pork, Arran Mustard & Honey Sausages and primary pork products including Nature’s Glen Ayrshire Cured Cooked Ham and Nature’s Glen Scottish Pork Loin Steaks are among the range of products from Browns Food Group sold across all Aldi Scotland stores.
About Aldi in Scotland
Aldi has 105 stores in Scotland and employs more than 3,500 people. The supermarket chain opened its first Scottish store in Kilmarnock in 1994 and will celebrate 30 years in Scotland this year.
It is the only retailer to have a dedicated Scottish Buying Department, allowing it to tap into Scotland’s vibrant agricultural and manufacturing base. It works with more than 90 Scottish suppliers and stocks 450 Scottish products, including several award-winners, with a commitment to showcasing the best produce that Scotland’s food and drink industry has to offer.
According to The Knowledge Bank’s Provenance research, Aldi was recognised as the top retailer for the best selection of Scottish goods in 2023. The retailer was also ranked second only to Irn Bru for its brand association with Scottish provenance.
In 2023, Aldi welcomed more customers than ever before through its doors, with an additional 5 million customers. Over the next two years, the retailer plans to invest £56m in Scotland with new stores in Broughty Ferry, Straiton and Castle Douglas, and extensions to existing stores in Erskine, Port Glasgow, and Alexandria.
Aldi was crowned Employer of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drink Excellence Awards in 2023.
The retailer has committed to a New Year pay rise, making it the first supermarket in the UK to offer rates in line with the Real Living Wage. It will also guarantee store and warehouse colleagues pay of at least £12 an hour.
Aldi is also committed to supporting people in the communities where it operates. Its Supermarket Sweep initiative raised over £10,000 for foodbanks across Scotland in 2023 and its Scottish Sports Fund, which launched in 2016 with the hopes of making sport accessible across the country, donated £50,000 to over 60 local sports clubs in 2023.
