BUTCHERS are working flat out to try and keep up with demand for locally sourced meat in the wake of the horse meat scandal that has swept across Europe.
Supermarket giants went on the charm offensive this week in a desperate bid to restore public confidence after horse meat was found in several products for sale on shelves across the country.
Traces of horse meat is also thought to have crept into supplies destined for schools and hospitals, with a full scale investigation under way by the Food Standards Agency and police.
But the scandal could mean boom-time for many local high street butchers who are reaping the rewards of a change in shopping habits.
The only question left to answer is how long will it last, with many butchers hoping it could signal a long term switch to a more traceable alternative to the mass produced fare on offer in Britain's supermarkets.
Mark Carr of Cam Family Butchers in Dursley is one small businessman cashing in and is hoping to reap the rewards long term.
"It has been crazy this week and our sales are up by at least 25 per cent," he said.
"We have had lots of comments from people saying how much nicer the meat tastes compared to what they normally buy from supermarkets.
"Butchers will always find it hard to compete with supermarkets on price, but they can't compete with our quality and our level of traceability.
"Many young people have been coming up to us and saying if you pay 99p for chicken what do you expect? It is the same with any meat, the cheapest is very rarely the best."
Read more in Monday's Citizen.
Supermarket giants went on the charm offensive this week in a desperate bid to restore public confidence after horse meat was found in several products for sale on shelves across the country.
Traces of horse meat is also thought to have crept into supplies destined for schools and hospitals, with a full scale investigation under way by the Food Standards Agency and police.
But the scandal could mean boom-time for many local high street butchers who are reaping the rewards of a change in shopping habits.
The only question left to answer is how long will it last, with many butchers hoping it could signal a long term switch to a more traceable alternative to the mass produced fare on offer in Britain's supermarkets.
Mark Carr of Cam Family Butchers in Dursley is one small businessman cashing in and is hoping to reap the rewards long term.
"It has been crazy this week and our sales are up by at least 25 per cent," he said.
"We have had lots of comments from people saying how much nicer the meat tastes compared to what they normally buy from supermarkets.
"Butchers will always find it hard to compete with supermarkets on price, but they can't compete with our quality and our level of traceability.
"Many young people have been coming up to us and saying if you pay 99p for chicken what do you expect? It is the same with any meat, the cheapest is very rarely the best."
Read more in Monday's Citizen.