Bright Future for Indie Butchers

The report, conducted by Trends Business Research (TBR) also found that the sector generated £2.3 billion in turnover in 2014 and has adapted to the changing needs of customers well, offering advice and convenient options to their customers.

In England there are 5,240 independent butchers, accounting for 2.2 per cent of all retail firms and 8.4 per cent of all food and drink businesses.

Michael Richardson, independent retail sector manager for AHDB Beef & Lamb said, “The report has not only underlined the significant role currently played by independent butchers in the retail sector, but pointed towards a bright future ahead.

“The perception of independent butchers’ expertise among customers is also incredibly encouraging. Tapping into shifting consumer attitudes, such as the increasing emphasis on provenance, is a positive step forwards that the independent sector can continue to capitalise on.

“It’s also good to see them meeting changing consumer demands, with an increasing emphasis on convenience during the week, and looking to try cooking something different and more adventurous at the weekend. Independent butchers are ideally placed to offer advice on what to try and how best to cook it.

“The outlook for independent butchers certainly looks positive and we will continue to work with the sector to help it continue to thrive.”