The Rise of the Neighborhood Butcher Shop

Protein is typically the centerpiece of the meal, and having high-quality protein is the key to bringing the entire meal together. Today, many consumers flock to their neighborhood butcher shops for the quality meat, personal service, and variety they receive. Now, with butchers looking for ways to expand their business, they need to take full advantage of butcher display cases. By combining quality meat with an unparalleled display, butcher shops can maximize their profitability.

More Than Meat

While many people have relied on their local grocery stores for meat during the past few decades, it is clear that local butchers are regaining a foothold in the local community. There are a few reasons the industry is seeing increasing profitability in butcher shops.

The cost of eating out has gone up significantly during the past few years, and many people are eating more at home. That means people are cooking more at home, as well, but individuals and families are looking for an alternative to traditional grocery stores.

For example, some people are looking for specialty dining options, such as vegan meat. Furthermore, individuals and families want sustainable meat, which is difficult to find at a typical grocery store. Therefore, shoppers are more inclined to trust a local butcher who they know well. Even if it means people need to spend more money to purchase quality meat from a butcher, they are willing to pay an increased price when they know where the meat comes from and that it has been harvested sustainably.

Meat Industry Outlook

Because of the increased demand for local butcher shops, the US meat and poultry industry is likely to remain strong during the next few years. As restaurants struggle with increased prices, consumers will continue to do most of their food shopping at retail outlets, including butchers.

Furthermore, the red meat industry will continue to see demand for its products not only domestically but also abroad. South Korea has become one of the top destinations for US beef exports during the past few years, and China has also been a major source of growth for beef exports from the United States. As the demand for red meat remains high, there are opportunities for butcher shops to take advantage of multiple sources of revenue. Both domestic and international demand for local US meat products should expand during the next few years.

Ideas To Help Grow And Extend Your Butcher Shop Offerings

While there is an opportunity for butcher shops to expand their profit margins, they must plan accordingly. Butcher shops can separate themselves from traditional grocery stores by offering premium meats. Butchers will have an easier time acquiring and retaining customers if they place their premium meat on sale from time to time.

Frozen meat production can also be a great way to increase revenue. Many people don't want to go to the butcher every day to purchase cuts of meat, and by freezing it, butchers provide their customers with an opportunity to buy in bulk, increasing revenue.

Sometimes, customers need to taste the difference when their meat comes from a local butcher, so butcher shops should not hesitate to open a restaurant with the butcher itself. That way, patrons can generate ideas for how to make their meats’ flavors truly stand out.

Do not forget that people eat with their eyes first, and investing in the best display cases can help butchers showcase the best features of their meat. For example, curved deli glass for both refrigerated and non-refrigerated cases can highlight the best foods, creating timeless, eye-popping appeal.

Ready to really showcase what your butcher shop has to offer? Click below to find out more about our foodservice display cases.