What's The Beef? Tesco Launches 'Finest' Local Abderdeen Angus

Supermarket giant, Tesco, has thrown its considerable weight behind a new campaign to boost the local agriculture industry by launching a new beef campaign, 'Tesco Finest Northern Ireland Aberdeen Angus' in all its stores with fresh meat counters.

This is the first time the Tesco technical team have given the 'Finest' accreditation to this locally bred Aberdeen Angus beef.

The Aberdeen Angus breed is said to be recognised the world over as being the king of meats, due to the premium quality, as well as the tenderness and succulence of the beef, all adding to overall flavour of the meat.

Customers will now be able to choose from a range of quality assured Finest Aberdeen Angus beef products, including sirloin steaks, top side roasting joints and steak mince.

Cliff Kells, Commercial Manager of Tesco Northern Ireland, said: "We first began our partnership with Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef and Foyle Meats back in 2000.

"Over the years we have expanded the range of cuts and also the number of counters offering the unique flavour and succulence of this Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Beef," he said noting that it is no accident that local members of Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef are regular winners of the Tesco Best Steak Competition at the annual Balmoral Show.

"It is important for our customers to be reassured of the provenance of local beef, so I am absolutely delighted that we now plan to launch Aberdeen Angus range as Tesco Finest, as it is further sign of our belief and commitment to the quality and consistency of locally reared Northern Ireland beef."

Meanwhile, Stuart McAdam of Foyle Meats, who are supplying Tesco with the beef products said: "Northern Ireland Finest Aberdeen Angus is a premium beef, born and reared locally from one of 750 local farmers throughout Northern Ireland.

"Our dedicated team in Foyle Meats have worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of local Aberdeen Angus beef, in order to meet the Finest accreditation."

Anne Morrison of Aberdeen Angus Quality Beef said: "The Aberdeen Angus breed has been farmed successfully in Ireland since the 1880s and with a recent increase in popularity in the beef, the number of AAQB members has now reached the 750 mark.

"As a commitment to maintaining premium quality, all Aberdeen Angus cattle are sired by a registered pedigree Aberdeen Angus bull and registered onto the AAQB database. This verification process provides product assurance and offers a strong local provenance, making it a truly Finest product," she insisted.

(BMcC)