Belgian retailer Colruyt Group plans to increase the buying price for beef carcasses and pass on the difference to farmers.
As far as the price paid by consumers in stores is concerned, Colruyt will retain its lowest prices pledge, it noted.
The latest increase is an addition to a purchase price increase introduced halfway through February 2024.
Gunther Uyttenhove, director Fine Food at Colruyt Group stated, “It is clear that the beef sector is being hit hard today. We believe it is important to take the lead here for the Belgian market and support Belgian beef farmers even better today. We will evaluate this approach on a regular basis.”
Earlier this month, the first taskforce with representatives from across the entire agri-food chain took place in Belgium.
In addition, a work meeting with representatives from the different agricultural organisations and retailers was organised, at the beef sector’s request.
The meeting underpinned the evolving costs and returns in the cattle farming sector.
Subsequently, the retail group examined the subject and decided to increase the price for beef carcasses.
Collaboration With Farmers
Colruyt Group works directly with beef farmers for 35% of the volume of beef sold.
It seeks to create a transparent chain to ensure that the price increase is passed on to beef farmers entirely.
Uyttenhove added, “We are a major buyer of Belgian Blue and we can see a lack of transparency in the chain. And it’s this transparency in the different costs in the chain that is crucial to us.
“Every link has to play its part to ensure that we can work together on a sustainable future for the Belgian beef sector.”
Focus On Local Products
Colruyt Group has pledged to offer as many Belgian products as possible.
It collaborates with 6,000 Belgian farms and has direct partnerships with no fewer than 600 small and large farms.
Eggs and milk offered by the retailer as part of its house brands are 100% Belgian, while pork, beef and veal from Colruyt butchers is 99% Belgian.
Currently, around 75% of its fruit and vegetables offering is of Belgian origin.
