The Savanna Meat Sustainability & Traceability Policy

At The Savanna, we believe that quality meat starts long before it reaches our customers. It begins at source, with responsible farming, ethical handling, and full transparency across the supply chain. Our approach is built on two non-negotiables: complete traceability and measurable sustainability.

Full Traceability From Farm To Braai

Every cut of meat sold by The Savanna is fully traceable back to its origin.

Our suppliers implement a strict identification and tracking system across the entire processing chain. Livestock is registered using unique ear-tag identification and official animal passports, ensuring each animal is individually recorded from farm level.

These identifiers are carried through the supply chain:

  • Each carcass retains its original ear-tag reference

  • Additional internal coding systems are applied during processing

  • Every cut is labelled and linked back to its source carcass

This system ensures:

  • Complete transparency across the supply chain

  • Rapid trace-back capability in the unlikely event of an issue

  • Consistent delivery of high-quality, verified produce

There are no gaps in the chain. If needed, we can trace any product directly back to the farm and animal it originated from.

Responsible Sourcing & Animal Welfare

We work with suppliers who prioritise ethical livestock management and minimal animal stress.

Livestock is sourced locally from farms within the surrounding regions, significantly reducing transport distances. Shorter journeys mean:

  • Lower stress on animals

  • Better overall meat quality

  • Reduced environmental impact

Animals are handled in family groups wherever possible, ensuring a calmer and more natural environment throughout the process.

Animal welfare is not a marketing angle, it is a baseline requirement.

Environmental Sustainability

Our supply chain is designed to minimise environmental impact without compromising food safety or product quality.

Local Sourcing

By sourcing livestock regionally, we reduce:

  • Heavy vehicle road miles

  • Fuel consumption

  • Supply chain emissions

This also supports local farming communities and strengthens regional food systems.

Energy & Refrigeration

Meat processing relies heavily on refrigeration. Our suppliers have invested in:

  • Carbon-friendly refrigerant systems (IR449 compliant)

  • Energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades

Electricity used in processing is sourced from providers aligned with renewable energy goals, including wind-generated power.

Packaging

All packaging used across our meat supply chain is:

  • Sourced from certified suppliers committed to sustainability

This ensures food safety without unnecessary environmental waste.

Logistics & Distribution

Distribution is optimised to reduce emissions through:

  • Use of Euro 6/7 compliant vehicles

  • Consolidated delivery schedules (more volume, fewer trips)

  • Area-based delivery planning to reduce unnecessary movement

Infrastructure investments, including expanded warehousing, further reduce the need for frequent deliveries and excess transport.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Food safety is treated as non-negotiable at every stage.

Our suppliers operate under strict regulatory oversight and maintain:

  • Dedicated Quality Control teams

  • Full compliance with all UK and European food safety legislation

  • Accreditation from recognised governing bodies, including the BRC.

Processes include:

  • Continuous monitoring of hygiene and temperature control

  • Strict handling and processing protocols

  • Ongoing audits and compliance checks

This ensures that every product meets the highest standards before reaching our customers.

Continuous Improvement Commitment

Sustainability is not static. We continuously review and challenge our supply chain to improve.

This includes:

  • Holding suppliers accountable to evolving sustainability benchmarks

  • Investing in more efficient technologies

  • Reducing environmental impact across logistics, packaging, and processing

  • Maintaining full transparency with our customers

What This Means For You

When you buy meat from The Savanna, you are getting:

  • Fully traceable produce, down to the individual animal

  • Meat sourced with strict animal welfare standards

  • A supply chain actively reducing its environmental footprint

  • Products handled under rigorous food safety controls