Morrisons offers suppliers discount as thank you for ‘feeding the nation’

The grocer said that from today its 2,700 food-producing farmers would be eligible for a 5% discount on groceries “to support them and their families”, which will run until at least mid-July.

Eligible farmers for the discount include those supplying Morrisons with lamb, beef and pork, as well as egg suppliers, dairy farmers and fruit and vegetable growers supplying the grocer directly.

The announcement comes on the same day Morrisons said it would be opening a summer “BBQ and Steak Bar” and “BBQ and Seafood Bar” from next Thursday to support struggling suppliers.

Morrisons said customer demand and industry prices for certain foods have “fallen dramatically” since the lockdown started as more than a third of such produce was destined for restaurants and catering traders.

Meat and fish producers have been hit particularly hard by the loss of supply to the restaurant trade.

Chief executive David Potts said: “This is a difficult time for the nation and it’s a very difficult time for farmers and fishermen. We’re the biggest supermarket customer for British farmers and they continue to provide very good quality British food in the face of very real challenges. We want to show our thanks for all their work in feeding the nation and encourage our customers to buy British food.”