Co-op relaunches British steak range: ‘Championing British has never been more important’
20th June 2025
Co-op announced that it is reinforcing its commitment to sourcing 100% British beef by reintroducing its Irresistible British steak range with premium Aberdeen Angus.
The convenience retailer said it is doubling down on its dedication to supporting British farmers and ensuring the highest quality for its members and customers.
This follows reports of three major supermarkets having moved away from their pledge to source British beef.
In recent weeks, the NFU has become aware of beef from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand hitting the shelves in Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.
Co-op said that the relaunch of the British steak range comes at a crucial time when the food industry is facing significant challenges.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “Co-op is a long-term supporter of British farming, and was the first and, at the time, only national UK grocer to commit to 100% British fresh and frozen own brand protein.
“This dedication to only using British extends into our own brand products where meat and poultry are used as an ingredient, including all sandwiches, ready meals, pies and pizzas.”
READ MORE: Beef from Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand hits UK shelves
‘Championing British’
Matt Hood, managing director of Co-op Food, added: “Farmers are the backbone of the UK’s food supply, and championing British on our shelves has never been more important. It supports our farmers, our economy and it provides quality assurances for our shoppers.
“In the current global economic climate, now is not the time to be stepping back on vital sourcing standards, and while others seem to be doing exactly that, at Co-op, we remain as committed to British farmers today as ever. It’s what our members and customers expect from us.”
Co-op added it has invested heavily into its beef and dairy supply chain over the last two years – most recently announcing a new £820,000 fund designed to support and reward farmers for reducing carbon emissions and promoting nature to help drive innovation, promote productivity and improve climate resilience.
Aberdeen Angus is renowned for its superior quality marbled beef, and Co-op’s new steaks come from the Aberdeen Angus crossbreed sired from a purebred Aberdeen Angus bull. The range will offer three premium cuts, such as sirloin, fillet and ribeye beef, sourced from farms in Co-op’s Farming Group and Red Tractor Assured Farms.
The new Co-op premium steaks all undergo a meticulous 28-day ageing process – dry aged on the bone for seven days, then matured for 21 days – to ensure exceptional tenderness and more intense flavour. The range is now available in stores and online.
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