Beefing up British – why choose British beef?
Let’s talk beef, but not just any beef – British beef! This
week marks the start of Great British
Beef Week (23rd – 30th April), and it’s the perfect
time to celebrate the fantastic work of local farmers and butchers - like our
very own supplier, Little Pigs – across the country. While ‘delicious’ may be
the first thing that springs to mind when you think of British beef, there are
other reasons why choosing British beef is a great idea, and we’re here to show
you why.
British beef supports local farmers, butchers – and our heritage!
When you choose British beef, you’re also supporting the
local farmers that reared the cows, and as a nation we have some of the highest
welfare standards in the world that regulate the way we produce beef. British
cows are not fed growth-promoting hormones, and antibiotics are only
administered if prescribed by a vet.
Did you also know that every beef cow has its own ‘cattle
passport’? This means that every animal can be traced back to its mother and
place of birth. We’re also home to a number of coveted cattle breeds like the
majestic Highland and the iconic Aberdeen Angus, which are renowned worldwide
for their superior quality and genetics. If you’re looking to beef up
your knowledge on British cows, here are the top 10 native cattle breeds in
Britain: Highland, Belted Galloway, English Longhorn, Red Poll, White Park,
Hereford, British White, Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus, South Devon,
You’re also supporting the local butchers that work closely
with local farmers. Little Pigs in Didsbury, like many independent butchers
across the nation, are committed to sourcing their beef from farmers who put
quality and welfare at the heart of everything they do. They work with a small
network of nearby farms that only rear grass-fed, free-range animals. Find out
more about what’s it’s like to be a family-run,
local butcher business straight from Rebecca Harrison who runs Little Pigs.
Reduced carbon footprint and low food miles
Another great reason to choose British beef is that is has,
on average, a reduced carbon footprint compared to imported varieties. British
beef produces half
the global average in carbon emissions and plans to hit
net zero emissions by 2050. Essentially, the more we support our UK farmers
and butchers, the more they can invest in sustainability initiatives. British
farmers take great pride in their high standards of products and farming in as
climate friendly way as possible is hot on the agenda for many farms across the
UK. This is great news for you, as it means a tastier meal with a lower climate
impact!
Going local also reduces the distance between farm and fork,
all while getting fresher meat to your plate and supporting greater food
security – win, win, win! Most
beef to the UK is imported from the EU, and Ireland remains a key location
for sourcing beef. Outside of the EU, South America is a top exporter of beef.
However, Argentinian beef, for example, travels over 7,000 miles to reach the
UK. This is around 11.5 times more than the entire length of the UK. In this
case, it’s clear to see how British beef wins out, with the more local beef you
choose, the lower food miles created.
Try these locally-sourced beef products
Ready to taste the difference? Our locally-sourced beef products
from Little Pigs are a great place to start. With top-notch premium quality and
unbeatable flavour thanks to their connections with local farms, there’s never
been a better time to tuck into the best of British beef.
Our top picks for Great British Beef Week:
- 1kg
Premium Sirloin Beef Joint – A go-to option for a premium Sunday lunch
roast with the family
- 4
Prime Beef Burgers – With summer fast approaching, be sure to try out these
locally sourced beef burgers on your barbecue.
- Chilly Willy Rib Eye Steak (226g) – Turn up the heat and flavour with this mega steak.
- Prime Minced Steak (500g) – Whip up your best spag bol yet with locally sourced mince.
