A&J Quality Butchers has reported a significant increase in trade since the UK horsemeat scandal became public.
Staff at both the company’s shop on Cushag Road in Anagh Coar and its dedicated trade warehouse on the Middle River Industrial Estate in Douglas have seen a marked rise in customers buying Manx meat and supporting local farmers, as well as more questions being asked about where it has come from. Even the most price conscious shoppers are beginning to pay more for their meat.
“Shopping local is the only way to ensure you can guarantee the authenticity of what you are buying,” commented John O’Connell, Director of A&J Quality Butchers. “I’m a firm believer in supporting the local economy and buying Manx wherever you can, but buying your meat here on the Island from your local butcher means you know where it’s come from, you really can guarantee what you’re eating and the quality is second to none.
“People are really buying into shopping local and supporting Manx farmers now more than ever.”
It is impossible for anything other than the ‘proper’ species to be slaughtered and sold as meat on the Island thanks to Isle of Man Meat’s inspectors’ incredibly strict enforcement of the law. Any meat which does need to be imported on to the Island by A&J Quality Butchers (because of their being too much demand for local supply to fulfil) comes from abattoirs which are well-known to its Directors and comes with official documentation to prove its origin. Anything that does not meet the company’s rigorous vetting procedure is discarded and will never be offered for sale to its customers.
A&J Quality Butchers specialises in providing well-hung, 28-day aged meat and is sole supplier to many of the Island’s leading hotels, bars and restaurants. It is so confident of the quality of its product that it offers a money-back guarantee to anyone who is not satisfied with their purchase, and can prove that its burgers, sausages and pies are made from 100% Manx meat.
John, who has been a butcher for more than 45 years, believes consumers have every right to question shops about where their meat has come from: “I think shoppers should keep asking questions until they’re satisfied with the answers, and should definitely ask their butcher to show them how to select a good cut of meat and quality product.
“We will mince meat in front of our customers so they’re sure they are getting a superior product, and I am more than happy for anyone to come to our shop or trade warehouse for advice, with no obligation to buy anything from us. We’re here to help consumers and make sure they continue to enjoy their food safe in the knowledge they know what they’re eating or feeding to their families.
“A lot of meat factory owners are only in it to make a quick quid, and I think this scandal can only be a positive thing for the Manx meat industry and farming community. Consumers should shop local and have faith in the home-grown products they are buying.”
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