10 July 2026
Aberdeen-Angus strengthens links with catering sector at Royal Three Counties Show
The Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society welcomed senior figures from the public sector catering and foodservice industry to its stand at this year’s Royal Three Counties Show to discuss the role British beef can play in delivering high-quality, sustainable food. Hosted in partnership with Love British Food as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the visit brought together caterers, procurement specialists, hospitality leaders and farmers to encourage greater understanding between food producers and those responsible for sourcing millions of meals every week. Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO Robert Gilchrist said the event provided an opportunity to bring together different parts of the supply chain and encourage open discussion. “It was an opportunity to share the progress being made across the beef industry, from advances in genetics through to the role grass-based production systems can play in delivering sustainable British beef, while also hearing directly from caterers and buyers about the challenges and opportunities they face. “The catering sector needs a clear understanding of the realities of producing British beef, but it’s equally important that producers understand what buyers and caterers need from us, if we are to build long-term partnerships that support British sourcing.”
Love British Food founder Alexia Robinson said: “This event was about bringing the people who develop menus and make buying decisions to experience the best of British farming at one of the country’s leading agricultural shows. “We want caterers to see first-hand the quality, care and commitment behind British food production and leave empowered to choose British. “By strengthening relationships between grassroots and industry, we can help build demand for British food while making it easier for people to source, serve and celebrate British produce.”
During the discussion, Mr Gilchrist gave delegates an overview of the British beef industry and the work of the Society, explaining how 150 years of recorded breeding, recognised through the publication of the Society’s 150th Herd Book, has underpinned continual genetic progress within the Aberdeen-Angus breed. He also challenged some of the common misconceptions surrounding livestock farming, discussing the role grazing cattle play within the natural carbon cycle, the importance of taking a balanced view of methane emissions, and how productive grass-based systems contribute to sustainable food production. Mr Gilchrist said: “We’re incredibly proud of the continued success of Aberdeen-Angus – that success has been built on 150 years of continual improvement, ensuring the breed delivers value at every stage of the supply chain, from farm to fork. “That was evident at this year’s Royal Highland Show, where Tesco’s prestigious steak competition was, for the first time, only open to Aberdeen-Angus sired cattle.”
Retail recognition is something Aberdeen-Angus breeders should be incredibly proud of, but it’s only part of the picture, he said. “We also need to engage with public sector procurement and the hospitality industry to ensure decision-makers understand the quality, consistency and sustainability behind British beef, so it retains its place on menus across the country.”
Source: industry press release.