Tesco Producer Network hits 2,000 member milestone
Over 2,000 food producers have now joined the Tesco Producer Network, according to figures revealed by Tesco today.
Over 2,000 food producers have now joined the Tesco Producer Network, according to figures revealed by Tesco today.
The Tesco Producer Network is an online forum that farmers supplying food to Tesco can use to share their views and expertise and get together to tackle challenges in the farming industry. Today’s news means that a bigger and more diverse group of agricultural producers and suppliers than ever are now reaping the benefits of being part of the network.
The network has also been boosted by beef and lamb farmers starting to join up – all of whom have direct two year contracts with Tesco. Being able to access the Producer Network is just one of the many benefits entering into a two year contract brings.
Quick facts about the network
- Launched in June 2012, the Tesco Producer Network gives producers in Tesco’s supply chain a direct line to Tesco colleagues, industry experts and producers around the world.
- It boasts members from as many as 47 different countries, covering products including fruit and vegetables, tea, dairy, fish and livestock. It is already proving to be a powerful tool to help build relationships between producers and Tesco.
- The network allows producers to discuss important issues like food-supply efficiency and sustainability with other producers around the world as well as with Tesco teams.
Key successes over the past year
- Crop farmers have worked together to trial the Cool Farm Tool, an online carbon calculator that’s designed to help reduce the environmental impact of farming.
- Farmers have shared their views on how to tackle food sustainability and food waste, which have been fed into an EU consultation on the issue.
- Key insights were pulled together from the network on the causes of food waste among suppliers, Tesco operations and customers themselves. These contributed to the development of Tesco’s strategy to tackle food waste.
We’re absolutely committed to doing everything we can to help our hardworking suppliers become more efficient and sustainable.
“Tesco is UK agriculture’s biggest customer, and our suppliers are unparalleled in their knowledge and expertise. The supplier network is all about harnessing that knowledge and expertise and spreading best practice to everyone’s benefit.
“The network also offers unique access to Tesco buyers and industry experts. The feedback we have had from suppliers using the network has been fantastic, and we hope many more of our suppliers will sign up.”
~ Matt Simister, Commercial Director for Group Food at Tesco
It’s a really good source of information that we can use across our sites to extend knowledge. We also used it to double check our QMS covered the controls required for Hep A, which it does.
~ Emma Kent, Head of Technical and Quality, Nature’s Way Food Limited
