MORE people are turning to local butchers since the revelation that some processed beef products sold by supermarkets in the UK contained up to 100% horsemeat.
The scandal has prompted shoppers to think about where their meat is coming from and to buy food that has been produced locally.
In Frome shoppers are spoilt for choice with three local butchers in the town centre – Penleigh Farm Fresh in the Co-op in Westway Precinct; J. Cayford Family Butchers at the top of Catherine Street; and HE Williams in Baker Street.
Penleigh Farm Fresh rears its own sheep and pigs in Dilton Marsh, while other meat is carefully selected from local producers. The meat can be bought locally at the Co-op in the Westway Precinct and Woody’s Farm Shop in Norton St Philip.
Farmer Owen Singer said, “A lot of new people have been coming in and asking questions, they are asking where their meat is coming from. People have been buying meat to make their own food a lot more – such as buying mince to make their lasagnes.
“Sometimes people come into the farm shop when I’m there serving and they’re amazed that the farmer who produces the meat is there.
“Hopefully this will be good for the High Street in general, and encouraging people to use High Street butchers. People do think about what they’re eating now.
“Since it all broke, a lot of people have been laughing and joking and we’ve got some really good banter in the shop – you don’t get that in a supermarket!”
Nigel Williams, of Williams Butchers in Baker Street, was recently named as Frome’s Person of the Year in recognition of his quality produce and customer service.
He said, “We are definitely busier, people have much more interest in where their food is coming from. The horsemeat scandal] been quite a topic of conversation, I think I’ve heard most of the jokes now but there’s still some new ones!”
J Cayfords are a traditional family butchers based at 24 Catherine Hill.
“We are a real family butchers and purchase the produce direct from local farmers,” explained Adrian Cayford. “Our meat is of the highest quality and locally sourced from known farmers and friends, ensuring traceability of animals.
“We would like to think that traditional butchers have made a ‘come back’ in recent year with the increased awareness of where our food comes from and a desire for better quality and traceability.”
