New research into meat purchases released this week has suggested a change of shopping behaviour amongst Australian consumers. In a recent survey of nearly 11,000 Australians, commissioned by Australia’s largest specialty chicken retailer Lenard’s, over 57 per cent said that they intended to ’save’ or ‘pay off debts’ with their Federal Government Stimulus payment and, in keeping with this prudence, they are turning away from more ‘luxury’ meats such... ...Read more »

In 1854, Ike Hill took a job as a ‘Butcherboy’ on a convict ship bound for Australia. Since then the Hill family has been involved in butcher retailing and lamb exporting and wholesaling, trading under the name of “Hills of Darling” throughout most of the 80s and 90s. Now, 5th generation family member, Nick Hill, has decided to change the way meat is typically sold. Research shows that of the 70% of people that buy their meat at supermarkets, most do so due to convenience... ...Read more »

Butchers have reported a rise in sales in April compared to March, although results were mixed in comparison to last year. The Millward Brown monthly survey of Australian butchers suggested the stimulus package and a trend toward eating at home provided a boost to butchers last month. In April, 46% of respondents reported ‘very good to excellent’ beef sales, up from 44% in March, but below responses in April 2008 (52%). For lamb, 43% of butchers surveyed noted that sales were ‘very... ...Read more »

A new study has discovered that the recession is being felt throughout the grocery store, and especially in the meat department. Economic woes are affecting where people shop for meat as well as the kind of cut, brand and quantity purchased, according to the fourth edition of the Power of Meat, a joint study by the American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute, which goes beyond findings in Australia and the UK that cheaper cuts of meat had garnered strong support. While shoppers are eating... ...Read more »

The NSW Government will take Independent MP Richard Torbay’s truth in meat labelling bill to the other states for immediate action, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said yesterday.The proposed Bill makes it an offence to falsely describe meat including beef, sheep, goat and pig in advertising, packaging, or labelling. “I fully support Mr Torbay’s push - it will not only meet consumer needs but it will boost domestic meat sales and create more jobs,” Mr Macdonald said.... ...Read more »

Butchers and bakers are the latest target of a campaign to stamp out exploitation of workers in South Australia.The Federal Workplace Ombudsman has written to almost 500 businesses alerting them to a crackdown on the food services industry. Up to 100 employers will be randomly selected for audit by workplace inspectors to ensure staff are being properly paid. Executive Director Michael Campbell said the decision to closely scrutinise butchers and bakers follows an increase in complaints. “One... ...Read more »

American consumers have trimmed their consumption of beef, veal and turkey since 1996; while the $66 billion beef sector still rules the roost, chicken was increasingly what’s for dinnerin 2008. Chicken sales winged up 6.7% in 2008, three times the overall growth rate for retail and foodservice meat, according to The Fresh Meat Market in the U.S.: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey and Lamb in Retail and Foodservice, a new research report just released by Packaged Facts. Chicken was also good for... ...Read more »

Two Western Sydney butchers have copped fines totalling more than $15,500 for attempting to rip off consumers by disguising sub-standard meat, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.The NSW Food Authority has won prosecutions against the two butchers totalling nine breaches for illegally “dosing” meat with the preservative sulphur dioxide (SO2). “This chemical is used to mask old or poor quality meat to make it look redder and more appealing to consumers, but the practice... ...Read more »

The Workplace Ombudsman has today released a new list of businesses it will target in the lead-up to Christmas to ensure workers are properly paid.The workplace watchdog’s latest “hit-list” includes bakeries, butchers, dairy producers, coffee shops and take-away food outlets. Also in the sights of inspectors will be grocers, smallgoods stores and both retail and wholesale suppliers of poultry and seafood. Federal Workplace Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson advised that the national food... ...Read more »

The retail industry has been bruised by sagging consumer sentiment and increased costs and, while this has heralded a 6-year low in quarterly retail turnover, the implications on food have so far been mixed - according to new research by Freshlogic. Martin Kneebone, a director of consultancy firm Freshlogic, says that slimming household budgets are prompting a noticeable move toward cheaper meal options. The eating-out food market may lose as much as $3b in annual consumer spending, part of which... ...Read more »