Rush to get home-grown pork back on shop shelves

IRISH pork finally made a welcome, if somewhat limited return, to supermarket shelves yesterday following the resumption of processing across the country.

SuperValu began restocking shelves yesterday and confirmed the range of Irish products back in its stores would increase significantly over the weekend.

“By Friday, up to 30% of bacon sold in stores will be Irish sourced, with the balance being made up of products from Denmark, Holland and France. It is expected that the range of Irish products will increase significantly over the weekend,” a statement read.

A survey carried out by the retailer showed nearly 50% of its customers want to start buying produce from Irish suppliers again, while almost two-thirds confirmed they would purchase Irish ham at Christmas.

Managing Director of SuperValu Donal Horgan said the retailer was committed to getting Irish produce back on the shelves as soon as possible.

“This has been a challenging time for pig farmers and Irish shoppers, who have always greatly supported the Irish pork industry through their purchasing decisions,” he said.

“We are delighted to have products back in store and remain absolutely committed to supporting Irish suppliers and producers. We will be returning to our policy of sourcing 100% of our pork and bacon products from Irish suppliers as soon as possible.”

Superquinn also confirmed that a limited amount of Irish products were back on the shelves yesterday, with more products coming on stream in the coming days.

“Superquinn was the first retailer to have safe Irish pork in its stores today, beginning with the re-introduction of Superquinn sausages, Superquinn pork chops, and Superquinn Gleann na Gréine rashers,” a statement read.

The products being sold were sourced from a farm in Co Kilkenny with meat that was fully traceable, a spokesperson said.

Londis was another store that began restocking pork yesterday and promised to increase its range in the coming days.

“Londis retailers have resumed selling Irish pork products having received initial deliveries today.

“We will continue to increase the range available to our consumers as supply becomes more established,” a spokesperson said.

Retail group BWG, which operates the Eurospar supermarket group, Spar and Mac, confirmed its stores had also began restocking sausages, rashers, pudding and some cooked meats.

Aldi said it had no Irish pork products on sale at any of its stores today and its current stock was sourced from other EU countries.

However, a spokesman for the company said it was working with Bord Bia to reintroduce Irish-sourced pork products to its stores as soon as possible.

Some local butchers also began selling pork again yesterday after the Department of Agriculture or the local authority gave permission for processors to release it.