
Tesco commits to full Scotch beef and Scottish salmon supply chains by 2026
Tesco has boosted Scotch beef volumes by 23% and plans 100% Scottish fresh salmon sourcing by Spring 2026, investing £30 million into the Scottish economy and reinforcing long-term partnerships with local farmers amid rising consumer demand.
Tesco has significantly increased its commitment to Scottish produce, notably boosting its volume of Scotch beef by 23% over the past year. This growth is not only a testament to the retailer’s support for local farmers but also translates into an estimated £30 million uplift to the Scottish economy. Looking ahead, Tesco aims to have a fully Scotch beef supply chain in place by Spring 2026, meaning all beef sold in its Scottish stores will be reared, sourced, and packed within Scotland. This ambitious move reflects a deepening partnership with Scottish agriculture and a drive to offer customers authentic, high-quality local produce.
In parallel with its Scotch beef expansion, Tesco has announced plans to source 100% Scottish fresh salmon for its Scottish stores by the same timeline, building on a remarkable 44% increase in volume sales within its Finest Scottish Salmon range this year. This dual commitment underscores Tesco’s strategic focus on local provenance across key protein categories in Scotland, reinforcing its support for Scottish farmers, suppliers, and rural communities.
Tesco’s efforts are supported by well-established Sustainable Farming Groups, which bring together more than 800 farmers across the UK, including 59 in Scotland specifically supplying Tesco Finest beef. These groups focus on fair and transparent pricing to aid farmers' long-term planning and investment, alongside initiatives aimed at reducing farm emissions and enhancing biodiversity. Richard Wood, Tesco’s Director of Meat, Fish, Poultry and Eggs, emphasised the importance of these partnerships, noting that Scottish produce enjoys global recognition for its quality. He highlighted that the move towards a fully local supply chain benefits farmers, suppliers, and the broader Scottish economy.
This commitment aligns with broader trends showing increased consumer demand for Scottish produce. Over the last year, Tesco’s sales of Scottish food have grown from £259 million to £303 million, supported by 154 local producers supplying around 1,500 products to stores nationwide. Shoppers' rising appetite for Scottish-made food is fostering new business opportunities and encouraging retailers to deepen their local sourcing efforts.
Notably, a survey by NFU Scotland found that 74% of beef on shelves at stores like Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl is Scotch Beef, with these retailers nearly fully stocking Scotch Beef. This demonstrates a strong alignment across major UK supermarkets to support Scottish farmers and meet consumer preferences for regional origin beef.
However, Tesco’s move to source 100% Scottish salmon has not been without controversy. Concerns have been raised over the authenticity of Scottish salmon labelling in UK supermarkets, including Tesco, as much salmon marketed as Scottish has previously been imported from Norway and other countries. This has prompted calls for greater transparency and stricter certification to ensure consumer confidence. Meanwhile, competitors such as Sainsbury’s have taken steps to assure sustainability and authenticity by offering 100% of their fresh Scottish salmon certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, highlighting a growing emphasis on responsible sourcing in the market.
Despite some challenges in the salmon sector, Tesco’s broader commitment represents a positive development for Scottish agriculture and fisheries. Beyond sourcing, Tesco supports nearly 200 local suppliers and directly or indirectly employs around 50,000 people across Scotland, demonstrating its integral role in the country’s rural economies.
In summary, Tesco’s plans to achieve full Scotch beef and Scottish salmon supply chains by 2026 mark a significant evolution in retail support for Scottish produce, leveraging local partnerships and responding to consumer demand for quality and provenance. While issues around salmon labelling highlight the need for ongoing vigilance, Tesco’s sustainable farming initiatives and economic contributions signal a meaningful commitment to Scotland’s food sector.