Horsemeat scandal boosts butchers

Buy photos » Manager Barry Scott and fourth generation Morris butcher Andrew show off some of Joseph Morris’ beef. The butcher has reported an upturn in trade since the horsemeat scandal emerged. 08.013.034.rug.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

BUTCHERS have reported an upturn in trade in the wake of the horsemeat scandal.

Already in high demand, Rugby's butchers have seen sales increase further as more people turn to them after losing confidence with supermarkets following the recent discovery of horsemeat in some supposedly 'beef' products.

Joseph Morris, on Central Park Drive, is already doing a roaring trade having received repeat custom from people living across the country, and even overseas, with customers in Ireland and even Belgium.

Manager Steve Hemmings said the butcher's beefburger sales had doubled since the scandal broke.

"It's difficult to tell how much trade has increased overall as we're so busy anyway, but I can say our burger sales have doubled from what we usually do this time of year, and I think that's down to the horsemeat discovery," he said.

"I think some people have decided they want a quality burger, and they want to know what's gone in it."

David Morris, son of owner Joseph Morris, added: "We feel the quality of our meat is of the utmost importance. Traceability is our responsibility and we give customers total faith in the meat they purchase from us."

Peter Tuckey, manager at John T Cleaver in Bilton, said customer numbers had increased with some saying they had decided to use a butcher because of the discovery of horsemeat in supermarket products.

"Sales have increased a bit I think, somewhere between ten and 20 per cent, and we've had people tell us they've come here because they don't trust the supermarkets anymore," he said.

"There aren't many butchers left these days, and there is still demand for us so we've been doing well anyway.

"I wasn't surprised by the horsemeat scandal. Nothing surprises me in the processed food industry these days."

Ashley Walker, who runs the butchers of the same name on Clifton Road, said he had seen a few new faces in his shop.

"A lot of customers are saying they wont buy any more meat from the majors," he said.

"The majority of comments we're getting are, if they're cutting corners like this what else are they cutting corners in?"

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