About Us - Waitrose

Waitrose has over 200 branches across Britain, combining the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop. We are dedicated to offering quality, value and customer service.

Unlike other major supermarkets, Waitrose isn't owned by shareholders and the City. Instead, as part of the John Lewis Partnership, it's owned by 68,000 permanent staff, called 'Partners', who works for the Partnership. Every year they share the profits that normally go to shareholders, delivering a very high level of customer service and commitment from those who work in Waitrose stores.

Waitrose promotes quality British foods from quality British farms and has long been commended for its support of farmers, many of whom we have worked with for over 30 years. Waitrose has a long-term commitment to British agriculture and the farmers supplying Waitrose can be sure of a fair and honest price that reflects their costs of production.

At present Waitrose operates over 30 distinct Supplier Partnership Groups offering farmers an assured market and clear direction for sustainability in a forum where they can share best practice and set mutual business objectives. As farmers ourselves, milking 600 cows at our farm in Hampshire, Waitrose understands first-hand the difficulties and pressures in making a sustainable return. In return for exacting quality, hygiene and animal welfare standards, Waitrose producers are paid a price that reflects these additional requirements, as well as the costs of production.

There is currently a waiting list of farmers wishing to supply all our producer groups.

Many of Waitrose's meat supply arrangements are bespoke. In 1993, Waitrose was approached by a group of Welsh farmers looking to market Farm Assured Welsh Lamb. From the 28 producers initially involved, there are now 300, with many committing 100% of output to Waitrose. The scheme has been recognised as best practice by the Red Meat Industry Forum.

Waitrose operates a unique system with Dovecote Park to trace the farm source, animal parentage and history of Aberdeen Angus and Hereford beef. All Waitrose own label organic beef comes from Dovecote Park.

The Waitrose Dairy Farmers group (formerly Select Farm) launched in 1999 and now includes over 65 farms producing high quality milk with sustainable farming practices. These farms have been selected for achieving outstanding levels of animal welfare and milk quality. While essential Waitrose Milk retails at a similar price to that charged by other supermarkets, Waitrose pays its dedicated dairy farmers one of the highest premiums in the market, and has consistently led the market in doing so. Waitrose meets with the essential Waitrose Milk producer group regularly to discuss any issues faced by any part of the Waitrose milk supply chain.

Wherever possible, Waitrose aims to source food and drink from the local areas within which we trade. We always buy British produce when it's in season, and when it's at its best. We source the very best of local and regional food and drink, which truly reflects the regional diversity of British produce.