A number of retailers have come under fire for not stocking 100% Scotch Lamb during the peak Easter period.
In its latest ScotchWatch – a scheme where a secret shopper assess how Scottish produce is presented on supermarket shelves – NFU Scotland found a worrying amount of imported lamb on offer.
However, the union praised Lidl, Aldi and Morrisons for stocking 100% Scottish fresh lamb during Easter.
Vice president Andrew McCornick said: “Given that for many, lamb is traditionally the centrepiece of family meals at Easter, it was heartening to find that in the Lidl, Aldi and Morrisons stores we visited, the fresh lamb was 100% Scottish, with the Scotch Lamb logo on the label.
“That kind of commitment to Scotch is something that Scottish sheep farmers hugely appreciate and will make the hard work going on right now seem worthwhile.”
He said the union recognised that many retailers traditionally balanced their lamb supplies with imports.
“However, we can justifiably ask them the question – if some retailers can stock 100% Scotch at this time of year, why can’t you?” added Mr McCornick.
He said the union had started discussions with supermarkets to explain that buying more Scotch lamb would make a huge difference to Scots sheep producers.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) marketing controller, Suzie Carlaw, said: “Whilst QMS recognise there is sometimes a commercial need to have a range of lamb products available at different price points, we actively encourage all retailers to stock Scotch Lamb PGI.”