I’ve written again to Waitrose and the DEFRA Secretary of State to highlight the double standard between Waitrose’s treatment of British farmers and Scottish fishers.
Waitrose currently boasts a 100% British-sourced policy for beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and milk. However, the retailer continues to move forward with a plan to de-list North East Atlantic mackerel – a move that will hammer the Scottish fleet and processing hubs in Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
It is a staggering hypocrisy to guarantee 100% support for British farmers while initiating an effective boycott against Scottish fishers who are world leaders in sustainability.
The Scottish pelagic sector has done everything asked of them. They have pioneered scientific research and signed up to difficult catch-reduction deals.
Instead of rewarding this responsibility, Waitrose is punishing them for the failure of other international governments to reach a deal. This isn’t ‘ethical sourcing’ – it’s a PR exercise that costs Scottish jobs.
We cannot allow our most sustainable, healthy, and locally-caught ‘superfood’ to be wiped from the shelves based on a flawed and inconsistent corporate policy.
If Waitrose can commit to 100% British beef, they should commit to 100% Scottish mackerel.
