Leading the way for welfare standards
Leading the way for welfare
standards
At Waitrose, we’re leading the way on animal welfare. We also believe in bringing you food that has a story. This means we’ve journeyed across Europe to partner with farmers who not only lead industry standards for continental charcuterie, but who also produce in a way that’s steeped in tradition.
This doesn’t just create a more authentic product – our network of network of independent producers across the continent knows that a better quality of animal care goes hand in hand with a better quality of meat. So, whether it's salami or chorizo, pizza toppings or tapas platters, our continental charcuterie come from farms that adhere to the industry's highest welfare standards.
Our continental charcuterie commitment
- Waitrose is the only UK supermarket to commit to and deliver 100% higher welfare continental charcuterie.
- All of our continental charcuterie (pork) meets the Good Pig Award criteria – we are the only UK retailer able to make this claim.
- All of our continental pork is 100% free-farrowing. This means the mother can move freely and is never restricted in a crate. In fact, all of our continental pigs are free from confinement and cages.
- All of our continental pigs are mutilation free. This means no teeth clipping, tail docking or physical castration.
- Our animals have more space, and plenty of straw bedding at all times – a rarity in continental Europe.
- Our continental cattle have access to straw bedding and come from farms with more space than the standards set by Red Tractor.
Meet our award-winning Italian pig farmer
Fumagalli – charcuterie supplier of our No.1 Parma Ham & more
Meet our award-winning Italian pig farmer
Fumagalli – charcuterie supplier of our No.1 Parma Ham & more.
Rearing pigs in northern Italy’s verdant rolling hills, near Parma and Como, Fumagalli is a fourth-generation family producer. Starting as a family butcher in Meda, near Milan, in the 1920s, Fumagalli has worked with Waitrose for over 30 years to supply exceptionally flavoured Italian charcuterie.
In 2016, Fumagalli was awarded the prestigious Good Pig Award by Compassion in World Farming, making it the first large-scale supplier in Italy to win the award. It consistently ranks at the top for animal welfare standards – Fumagalli rears its pigs on deep straw bedding, and champions 100% free farrowing, as well as no teeth clipping or tail docking.
For our Duchy Organic selection, which is supplied by Fumagalli, the pigs have even more space and outdoor access, as well as eating vegetable-based feed. Choosing Waitrose Italian charcuterie supplied by Fumagalli, you're not just enjoying a slice of authentic Italian tradition – you’re supporting a future legacy of ethical farming.
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