In a significant move to bolster the purchase of local produce, Asda has launched a ‘Buy British’ section on its online platform.
The initiative by Asda marks its entry as the eighth major supermarket in the UK to create a dedicated section for British-sourced products. This new feature on their website includes a variety of local produce ranging from meat, fish, and poultry to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The drive to support British farmers and producers comes after the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) encouraged supermarkets to facilitate consumers in purchasing British products more easily and efficiently. Over 110 MPs had previously advocated for this by signing an open letter, highlighting the need for grocers to simplify the process of finding locally sourced goods online.
The influential campaign by the National Farmers Union, reflected in Asda’s recent changes, has received positive feedback. David Exwood, the Union’s deputy president, expressed approval of the supermarkets’ efforts, indicating that such steps align with consumer desires to support national agriculture and help stimulate the local economy. “Choosing to buy British is an endorsement of the great produce reared and grown by our farmers and growers and helps contribute towards the UK economy,” he noted.
This approach not only aims to enhance consumer access to British goods but also plays a role in reducing the nation’s carbon footprint by minimising the need for importing products from abroad. Thus, the initiative has both economic and environmental benefits, as it encourages sustainability in food sourcing while supporting local enterprises.
Asda’s introduction of the ‘Buy British’ section underscores a growing trend among UK supermarkets to prioritise local products. This shift reflects a broader desire to support national industries and promote sustainability, benefiting both consumers and the country’s economy.
