Waitrose has once again made a significant leap in animal welfare with a global supermarket first by committing to 100% free range own-label British pork by 2027.

This means everything from your morning bacon and sausages to the pork in your favourite ready meals and lunchtime sandwiches will come from pigs raised outdoors, living happy and natural lives. This commitment guarantees exceptional quality and taste for Waitrose customers, all while supporting British farmers.

From October 15, all pork mince, steaks, chops and joints will be free range and available to purchase online and in Waitrose shops, with an intention for all own brand products to be free range by 2027.

The new free range products will include a tiered welfare label, similar to the recently launched welfare label on Waitrose chicken, to help guide customers to better choices.

Charlotte Di Cello, chief commercial officer at Waitrose, said: "We believe that happy pigs make the best pork. Our commitment to 100% British free range across all our Waitrose products reflects our dedication to providing our customers with unbeatable quality, taste, and value with values. 

"When you choose Waitrose pork, you're not just choosing a meal; you're choosing ethically raised, delicious British produce and truly backing British farmers who share our values.

"This isn't just about happy pigs; it's about happy customers and farmers too. Waitrose is investing in British pig farming over the next decade, ensuring top-tier animal welfare standards and delivering tasty, high-quality pork at great value."

The new 10-year deal builds on over 30 years of partnership with Pilgrim's Europe and British Pig farmers which have seen the retailer continually set the benchmark for the UK pork industry.