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Since its humble beginnings, Morrisons has grown to become one of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, marking its 125th anniversary this year.

From fresh produce to meat, fish, bakery items, and household goods, Morrisons has established itself as a trusted source for quality, locally sourced, and sustainably produced groceries.

Central to its mission is its commitment to British farmers, sustainability, and quality, all of which are embedded in its products and practices.

A deep commitment to British farming

Morrisons is recognised as British farming’s biggest direct supermarket customer, sourcing more produce, dairy, meat, and other goods directly from UK farmers than any other supermarket chain. The company’s relationship with British agriculture is personal and hands-on, partnering with generations of farming families to ensure top-quality British products reach customers.

To reinforce these commitments, Morrisons has launched initiatives such as the ‘Next Generation’ scheme, aimed at preparing young farmers for future industry challenges. These programmes focus on skills development, financial resilience and sustainability, ensuring that British agriculture thrives for generations to come.

“Now and always we stand shoulder to shoulder with British farmers; some of the unsung heroes of our society, growing and providing home-grown food, which we all benefit from every day,” said Rami Baitiéh, Morrisons Chief Executive Officer.

“As British farming’s single biggest direct customer and in light of the recent Budget, our £1.4billion investment in UK farming demonstrates our core commitment to long term relationships through contracts, cashflow schemes and practical industry support.”

Leading the charge in sustainable agriculture

Morrisons has long been at the forefront of sustainable retail practices, especially concerning UK farmers’ journeys to achieving net-zero emissions. In August 2024, Morrisons became the first supermarket to partner with The Institute For Agriculture and Horticulture to bolster farmers’ efforts in this direction. Additionally, its Sustainable Farm Network, a collaboration with Harper Adams University, works closely with farmers to reduce carbon emissions, enhance biodiversity, and promote sustainable farming techniques. By 2030, Morrisons aims to ensure that the farms it sources from directly are collectively net-zero.

An innovative partnership with Australian organisation Sea Forest exemplifies Morrisons’ proactive approach to sustainability. Through this collaboration, the company is exploring the use of seaweed-based livestock feed to reduce methane emissions in beef production. This initiative has the potential to fast-track low-carbon beef products into its range, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of cattle farming.

“As British farming’s biggest direct customer, we are well placed to support the farmers we work with and help them farm more sustainably”, said Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons. “This partnership supports our ambition to have net zero agriculture emissions by 2030.

“Having our own livestock experts with direct relationships with farmers enables us to make changes quickly, meaning that once our trial is complete and we have approvals in place, we can develop our lower carbon beef products and help support the drive to lower emissions from cattle.”

Innovation in product development and manufacturing

Unlike many retailers, Morrisons owns and operates its own food production and manufacturing facilities under Myton Food Group, encompassing 18 manufacturing sites across the country.

This vertical integration allows Morrisons to maintain quality and traceability across various products, including fresh meats, fish, pies, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. By keeping production in-house, Morrisons can uphold its high standards and more easily innovate to meet evolving consumer demands for freshness, sustainability, and value.

One recent innovation from Morrisons’ in-house production is the ‘Better for the Planet’ carbon-neutral eggs, introduced in 2022.  These eggs were the first in the UK to receive the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark certification for carbon neutrality. In response to customer demand, the retailer has recently expanded its offerings to include a range of white eggs, providing customers with a variety of options and emphasising Morrisons’ dedication to sustainable innovation.

Support for local producers and zero-waste initiatives

Sustainability extends beyond carbon reduction to minimising waste and maximising resource use. Morrisons supports British agriculture by purchasing entire crops, which includes “wonky” or imperfect fruits and vegetables that might otherwise go unsold. This approach helps reduce food waste while ensuring that farmers get a fair return on all their produce, not just the visually perfect items.

In 2023, Morrisons launched the UK’s first supermarket-backed support package that underwrites 100 per cent of the costs associated with growing crops. This initiative offers a financial safety net for the farmers involved, encouraging them to continue growing high-quality, sustainable produce without bearing all of the financial risks.

More recently, the supermarket launched a new programme aimed at reducing food waste while addressing food insecurity, as part of the King’s Coronation Food Project. The scheme focuses on redistributing surplus carrots and onions that fall below retail specifications but remain perfectly safe to eat.

Working in partnership with the food redistribution charity FareShare, Morrisons plans to divert tonnes of surplus produce from its Flaxby packing plant in North Yorkshire. The initiative is set to scale nationally, redistributing up to 26 pallets of surplus food each week to charities across the UK.

Prioritising affordability and community impact

Morrisons’ commitment to sustainability and quality doesn’t come at the expense of affordability. By managing its own production and maintaining direct relationships with farmers, Morrisons can keep prices competitive while delivering exceptional value to its customers. This balance of quality, sustainability, and affordability sets Morrisons apart in the UK supermarket landscape.

Looking to the future: Continued innovation and community support

Beyond its commitment to British agriculture, Morrisons is actively involved in community support and charitable activities. From food bank donations to initiatives that tackle food poverty and waste, the supermarket strives to make a positive difference in the communities it serves. It’s a reflection of the company’s belief that success isn’t just measured in sales but in the positive impact it can make.

As Morrisons celebrates its 125th anniversary, it remains committed to leading positive change in UK farming, food production, and retail. Through partnerships, support packages, and sustainable innovations, Morrisons is creating a blueprint for responsible food retail. Its dedication to UK farmers, sustainability, and affordable quality remains central to its mission, promising to support British agriculture and communities for many more years to come.

For more information, visit Morrisons.