The English beef and sheep supply chain must come together to make real productivity gains in an ever more competitive world.
That was the message from AHDB Beef & Lamb chair Adam Quinney to delegates at the organisation’s Stakeholder Conference in Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Addressing key representatives from meat processors, retailers, food service organisations and industry bodies, he said: “AHDB has been through a period of significant change and has adapted to meet the needs of the industry. Our new approach involves working more closely with other sectors in order to deliver maximum value from levy income. We have also reduced the number of areas we’re involved in so we’re more focused on our key priorities.
“My challenge to those of you in this room is that, in order for the industry to make real productivity gains, we all need to up our game and improve our engagement across the supply chain. By working together we can ensure that the beef and lamb sectors are in the best possible place to deal with the uncertainties of a post-Brexit trading environment.”
Speakers at the conference examined how the beef and lamb supply chain is preparing to meet future challenges from a number of different perspectives. David A Smith, Chief Executive of Global Futures and Foresight, gave a fascinating insight into trends that will influence customer behaviour in the near future. Focusing on innovation, David Speller, owner of Applied Poultry, told the conference about the importance of a positive mindset and how his approach has led to efficiency gains for his business.
Delegates also found out more about the work delivered by AHDB as part of its ‘Inspiring Success’ strategy and the key focuses of activity for the organisation during the next financial year.
