Jones Butchers, located on Broad Street in Whittlesey, has served as a butchery since 1957, building on a long legacy that includes earlier establishments dating back to the early 1900s. Recently, Mark Field, who has 30 years of butchery experience, took over the business but has expressed concerns about declining sales. He attributes this to the rising cost of living and the increasing convenience of shopping at supermarkets.
The National Craft Butchers (NCB) trade association reports that beef prices are currently at a historic high, with an overall increase in meat costs of 17%, significantly impacting the viability of independent butchers. Field, who assumed control in June, has made appeals on social media for customers to support his shop, noting that the summer season typically results in increased sales.
At 47, Field transitioned to running his own shop after many years of employment in the industry. He acknowledged the challenges of self-employment but expressed his passion for the work. Despite a summer ideal for barbecues, he has been compelled to reduce staffing hours while increasing his own shifts to 60 hours weekly.
Field noted a slight uptick in customer interest since his recent social media appeal, but he also pointed out that younger generations may feel intimidated and prefer the packaging convenience found in supermarkets. His observations align with those of other butchers, like Adrian Cornwell from Ely, who has experienced similar challenges and has adapted his offerings to include unique meats not typically available at larger retailers.
Overall, independent butchers are facing intensified competition and economic pressures, raising questions about their sustainability in the current market.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5ey76y4n7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss