Welsh Country - Issue93 - Mar-Apr 20

Butchers - Use Them or Lose Them
As a butcher’s daughter you’ll understand that I
have a very soft spot for independent butchers, I
just can’t help that. Obviously over the years, our
shopping habits have changed dramatically as supermarkets
still maintain their stranglehold with two German
supermarkets added to this mix. Yet despite having lots of
supermarkets to choose from I’m still impressed with many
local butchers on our high street. They excel on service,
product variety and the advice and help that they offer. It
goes without saying that our butchers need ongoing support
from HCC, Hybi Cig Cymru, Meat Promotion Wales, but
of course they cannot survive and grow their businesses
without our regular custom. When I visit a high street
butcher I’m impressed with how they cleverly gear up for
the BBQ season and create ‘dishes’ that are quick and easy
to prepare for those that feel they haven’t much time for
cooking or really can’t be bothered! Ten out of ten for those
butchers that are also selling vegetables at the front of their
shops and for those that have the space, have generated a
mini deli section. For me anything that makes the shopping
experience easier and friendlier is a winner. All I ask is
please give your local butcher a try because if you don’t, the
chances are Welsh butcher numbers will continue to dwindle
and butchers will quickly become as rare as hen’s teeth!
Kath Rhodes
Andrew Rees, Narbeth
Independent butchers play a key role in local
communities. Providing a friendly service to residents and
getting involved in local events and organisations. You will
get personal advice on preparing and cooking meat. Also,
importantly how to store meat. Local independent butchers
see providing this advice as an important part of their role.
Butchers play a vital role in local economic development.
We support and promote local produce. Buying off local
Farms and displaying the traceability of the meat is very
important to us. Local independent butchers play a vital
role in the High Street which extends beyond just the sale
of meat. Providing we focus on quality and provenance of
our meat and ensure that our standards of customer service
exceed those available at larger retailers there will always be
a future for us.
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