In a move aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience, UK retailer Sainsbury’s has launched a £5bn multi year investment to expand long term partnerships with more than 2,500 British and Irish farms.
The retailer said the expanded programme will see long-term agreements underpin the supply of 3.1 million tonnes of its own-brand fresh food by 2027, spanning key categories including fresh produce, dairy, meat and poultry.
By the end of 2026, Sainsbury’s expects 60% of its own-brand suppliers across fresh produce, dairy, meat, fish and poultry to be covered by agreements lasting more than five years, seeing a significant shift towards longer-term contracting models.
The retailer argues that longer-term agreements will enable producers to invest in sustainability, innovation and future capacity, while helping to secure consistent supplies of British-grown food.