Tesco launch ‘Best of British’ section online in biggest success yet for campaign supported by Simon Fell MP for Barrow and Furness
Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket, has become the latest retailer to support the campaign backed by Simon Fell MP which called on supermarkets to implement an online ‘Buy British’ button.
In August 2023 Simon Fell, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, and over 120 other MPs signed an open letter calling on supermarkets to highlight the very best of British produce by implementing a ‘Buy British’ section online to make it easier for people to buy homegrown produce.
The letter, written by Dr Luke Evans MP, stated ‘Our ask is simple, create a tab that collates produce from farmers,’ citing consumer choice, environmental benefits and support for farmers as reasons to make the change.
Now, Tesco’s have followed Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Co-op and Waitrose by launching a ‘Best of British’ section online which the retailer’s Chief Commercial Officer says “[brings] together over 500 hundred quality, affordable British products to choose from.”
Simon Fell, Member of Parliament for Barrow and Furness, said “The campaign for a ‘Buy British’ button aims to make it even easier for people to buy homegrown produce, supporting our nation’s farmers and cutting down on unnecessary food miles.
“Furness’ farmers produce some of the best food in the nation. This initiative will support them – and thousands like them – directly. I’m delighted that they have agreed to make this change.
“Tesco follow the lead of Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Ocado, Waitrose and the Co-op by making this small but meaningful change which puts our farmers and consumer choice first.
“I hope ASDA follow suit soon.”
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “I’m pleased to welcome Tesco to the fray. It’s great to see the UK’s largest supermarket join other major retailers in implementing an online ‘Buy British’ section which will support our farmers and give consumers greater choice.
“This is really welcome news and a step forward in supporting our nation’s food growers and producers by showcasing over 500 homegrown items, with everything from meat and vegetables to dairy products now easier to find on the ‘Best of British’ tab.”
David Exwood, NFU Deputy President, said “We know from our own independent research that the public want to buy more British food from retailers which is why it is good news to see Tesco join six other supermarkets to add a buy British section on its website.
“We have been championing this important issue since 2016 and today’s news is a fantastic result for the campaign organised by Dr Luke Evans MP. It offers shoppers a direct way to support their local farms and buy homegrown produce.”
Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer, said “Supporting British farmers, growers and suppliers remains critical to ensuring we have a robust food industry here in the UK, and we count ourselves as proud champions of British agriculture, striving to source produce from the UK wherever possible.
“Our customers share our love for British produce, and we want to do all we can to make it as easy to find as possible, no matter how they shop with us, so we’re thrilled to be launching our Best of British page on our groceries website, bringing together over 500 hundred quality, affordable British products to choose from.”