It’s without a doubt that everyone is starting to feel I little hit of price increases. Whether it’s the increased price of a pint at your local pub or the tightening of your gas and electric usage.
The meat industry has by far, taken a hit.
The price increase on deadweight animals is becoming increasingly worrying, not only for our butchers, but customers too.
The average price of a deadweight pig carcass three years ago (pre-covid), sat within the region of 130p/kg (circa £116.83 full price) as opposed to today prices of 159p/kg (circa £150.49 full price). However, there is not proof of this benefitting our farmers. It’s an ongoing argument that the cost of pigs has always been less beneficial for the farmers, and cheaper to buy wholesale, compared to other livestock such as lamb. We conducted a survey using our Instagram audience (predominantly butchers, farmers and workers in the meat industry) and asked, “Do you think the cost increase in deadweight pigs reflects where it should be compared to other deadweight animals?”
53% of voters said the price didn’t reflect where it should be compared to other deadweight animals.
Much like our homes, our local butchers, shops, and pubs, have also all had an increase in their monthly bills. But alongside their increasing outgoings, they’re experiencing a decrease in income. Why?
100% of votes said their biggest current struggle is finding the light amidst all the large supermarket chains, and 67% of voters are experiencing a decrease in customers compared to this time last year {April 2020}.
So, I asked our Financial Director {Financial Director of Walter Smith Fine Foods Ltd} where he thinks the industry is heading in the next 5 years?
…” Whilst being hit with so many volatile factors outside of our control, it’s important to focus on what we can do whilst inside our control. Yes, competition is fierce, but we do have the advantage of expertise, ability to make changes quickly, and continually listening to what our customers want. Traditional still, but as important as it has ever been.” …
Undoubtedly, 2022 will be a tricky year for our local independent retailers, which is why shopping local and supporting our butchers is more important than ever. Not only are you helping them, but you’re also contributing to keeping the struggling trade of butchery alive.
I believe (like 74% of our voters) that the meat industry will recover from this bump, but only with the help of the supportive public.
written by Lily O’Brien
