PREPACKED MEAT

Press, Volume C, Issue 29487, 13 April 1961, Page 13

PREPACKED MEAT

U.K. Butchers Worried (Special Crspdt <Rec. 8 pjn.) LONDON, April 12. Britain's butchers are worried by grocers, greengrocers and even sweet shops selling cuts of meat delivered to them in cartons. Delegates representing 16.000 butchers were warned at the Meat Traders’ Federation conference that unless they stopped this trend, their traditional craft would vanish and meat would be sold by men who had never handled a butcher’s cleaver in their lives. Mr Herbert Sibbit, president of the Manchester association, said: “The number of prepacked cuts coming in from abroad is growing and the reward for craftsmanship will soon be taken out of our hands. If we do not stop this, we will all be in trouble in four years. Greengrocers will be selling daffodils. legs of lamb, and potatoes from boxes side by side. “We are craftsmen, getting our living by buying animals and preparing meat to the housewives’ needs. There is a danger that the freedom of choice will disappear and the only sign of quality will be a mark on a box.” To counter the threat from the supermarkets and other shops equipped with freezing cabinets, London butchers are to spend £25.000 this autumn on a three-month advertising campaign. Their mascot will be a cheery little man wearing a boater and striped apron and will appear on “family” butchers' shops who have subscribed £7 7s to the scheme. The advertisement will press home a message with a picture of a friendly butcher leaning on his counter and offering “expert” buying and cutting advice and service.