Sainsbury’s, Cogent, and ABP have collaborated to produce high-quality, reduced-carbon beef, which will be incorporated into the retailers’ Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus range.
The integrated beef supply chain, established since 2015, has expanded its breeding options for farmers by partnering with Cogent, a service provider, to offer access to a wider choice of genetics. Cogent genetics are now available to Gamechanger producers in conventional semen, with plans to introduce the Ultraplus Male sexed product later in March.
This development enables Sainsbury’s and ABP to expand the program and enhance the efficiency and consistency of Aberdeen Angus calves entering the Gamechanger supply chain. The Gamechanger program currently includes over 500 farms, with the aim of significant growth. Farmers can participate at various stages, from calving to finishing, with guaranteed forward pricing and easy management.
Gavin Hodgson, director of agriculture, horticulture and fisheries at Sainsbury’s, stated, “We are committed to driving resilience at all levels of the supply chain and delivering a consistent product with a lower, more transparent hoof print that keeps quality British beef in our customers’ baskets.”
With the addition of Cogent genetics, Sainsbury’s and ABP can address current and future challenges, such as sustainability, efficiency, and product quality across the entire supply chain, while giving producers greater choice.
Richard Phelps, group agriculture director at ABP, added, “This enables us to continue to provide the dairy farmers in our supply chain with a secure and profitable calf outlet to produce high quality, sustainable beef whilst maximizing and delivering efficiency throughout.”
The end product, part of the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus beef range, will now also be bred from dedicated elite Cogent sires, which have undergone extensive progeny testing. This testing allows Cogent to breed bulls with specific, repeatable traits tailored to the entire integrated supply chain.
“We are extremely proud to be joining the Gamechanger scheme and to be providing Cogent genetics, including our Ultraplus male sexed product, to Gamechanger producers,” said Cogent managing director Stuart Boothman. “At Cogent, we recognize the fundamental role the dairy beef crossbred plays within today’s industry. We are delighted to showcase the strength and consistency of our beef on dairy program, extending our elite Aberdeen Angus offering to the Gamechanger supply chain.”
