Grocery giant Tesco has today launched a new website dedicated to reassuring customers over its supply chain strategy following the ongoing horsemeat scandal.
Launched following Tesco CEO Philip Clarke‘s meeting with the National Farmers Union (NFU) yesterday, in which he committed to sourcing more of the supermarket‘s meat from the UK, the site outlines four promises to ensure the integrity of its supply chain.
Reiterating Clarke‘s comments to the NFU, the grocer vows to put in place better controls, bring food closer to home, build better relationships with farmers and create more transparency.
Listing the 259 products which have been tested so far following the discovery of horse and pig DNA in its products last month, the site also provides detail on how food is being tested and promises that Tesco is “introducing world-class traceability and testing”.
A statement from the supermarket says: “We know that the discovery of horsemeat in products sold in several major retailers, including Tesco, has shaken your trust in food retailers and the products we sell.
“You‘ve told us that you want to buy British. And that the journey from farm to fork should be far less complicated.
“We‘ve listened to what you have said, and we‘re making some real and lasting changes.”
Simplifying the supply chain and collaborating more closely with suppliers is crucial in order to regain the trust of disillusioned consumers,. Tesco believes and will now offer contracts with a minimum two year period to interested suppliers.
Commenting on the need to rebuild trust with its customer base, Clarke told Sky news yesterday: “Millions of customers every week do trust us because they shop with us.
“The reason I‘m here today talking to the NFU is to signal a change. A change which means we‘ll have the most stringent testing regime; a change that means we will bring production closer to home and a change that means more partnerships with farmers here in the UK.
“I think those three things are good signs of why more customers should trust us.”
