Tesco CEO Dave Lewis outlined the supermarket’s 100 per cent British sourcing policy on root vegetables after being urged by the NFU to demonstrate exactly how it is delivering on its promises made in 2013 to improve relationships with suppliers, shorten supply chains and improve trust throughout the industry.
NFU president Meurig Raymond, who tabled a question on behalf of the NFU’s members at the supermarket's annual meeting for shareholders last week (w/c 22 June), said while he was pleased that Tesco had confirmed that it was standing by those commitments made at the NFU conference two years ago, 'they now needed to give firm evidence that progress is being made'.
Raymond added: “Our members have not seen the significant changes on the ground in the way they expected. Two and a half years after making the promise that they were changing, I would encourage Tesco to give these commitments teeth.
“One of the main focuses of the AGM was on Tesco’s efforts to rebuild trust and integrity in its brand, while putting its customers at the forefront of its business. It must remember that our members are part of this vision as it goes about turning around the company’s fortunes.
“We will continue to challenge and collaborate with Tesco so that we can ensure a successful and sustainable relationship for our farmers and growers.”
Also as part of his response to Raymond's question, Lewissaid that Tesco had made efforts to improve relationships with suppliers through producer groups.
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