Butchers have adapted to the virus outbreak

A WEST Wales butcher has told of how an initial loss of trade at the start of the coronavirus outbreak soon switched to the business adapting and delivering meat to people’s doorsteps.

New retail statistics have shown that consumers in their thousands have turned to high street butchers during the current pandemic.

Kantar Worldpanel figures for the 12 weeks up to May 17 showed an overall increase in purchasing of meat at retail across Britain, but a dramatic jump in the trade of independent butchers.

Sales of beef, for instance, were up by 26.9% overall when compared to last year, but up by 49.1% at high street butchers.

Among those independent butchers seeing a change in how it is serving customers during the pandemic is Dewi James a’i Gwmni which has shops in Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn.

Dafydd Davies from the butcher’s said: “We felt an initial loss of custom from the catering sector with only a small number of these foodservice providers continuing to sell takeaways.

“But having a really strong team that’s been able to operate a fleet of four vans means we’ve been able to respond to changes quickly and serve an increased demand of customers seeking deliveries to their door.”

He added: “Many of our elderly customers are continuing to place orders by telephone as they regularly would but we’ve seen a marked increase in orders being placed online.

“Being adaptive and flexible has helped us to maintain services to our loyal and growing customer base.”

Dewi James a’i Gwmni is a member of Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) Butchers’ Club and one of many independents across Wales who have innovated with new ways of serving customers during the pandemic.

Many have adapted their shops to ensure social distancing, some have started ‘click and collect’ or other online ordering services, and many have delivered meat to the door, providing vulnerable customers with a lifeline.

HCC market development officer Kirstie Jones said: “Although most meat is still sold at the big retailers, the current crisis has seen many people return to high street butchers’ shops.

“Around 8.5% of beef and pork, and over 12% of lamb, is now sold through these specialist outlets.

“People obviously appreciate how butchers have adapted quickly to the restrictions and served their communities well in difficult times, providing high quality meat and a bespoke service to their customers.

“HCC is increasing its support to the independent sector, with a new media toolkit being developed for members of our Welsh Lamb and Welsh Beef Butchers’ Club, and we’ll soon have dedicated new channels on social media.”