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Butcher Volume 1 Number 7
Editorial

We published the first edition of The Butcher in May. As we put this last edition for the year to bed, it is certainly an opportune time to reflect on what can only be described as a phenomenal success. Undoubtedly, it has not been an easy journey, but it has certainly been a privilege to watch it grow beyond all our expectations over the last few months. Our editorial mission has been to empower butchers and meat processors with information and advice that can help them improve the bottom line, and judging from the overwhelmingly positive feedback, we have succeeded in doing just this.

“Beyond expectations” also aptly describes the contents of this edition, as a fitting closing to our first year. Our Meat of the Month is turkey, goose and duck and provides a fascinating insight into these meat sectors and the opportunities they hold for butchers. We also investigate the complex world of abattoirs and their place in the value chain, as well as the regulations that apply. As the days heat up, we also take a look at cold room innovations designed to save costs while still ensuring absolute food safety in the butchery.

The skills shortage in the industry remains a urgent and pressing issue, and our training article covers the current state of affairs and the solutions, just in time for your 2010 planning.

In line with our editorial mission, our article on sausages offers some superb suggestions and advice for making the super sausages, while the “Profitable opportunities” article is packed with great ideas to maximise your slice of the “silly season” spend this year.

In December, we will be publishing the very first The Butcher Annual Year Planner, and in January the first Butcher Buyer’s Guide, both of which are must-have’s for the industry.

As we sign off this last edition for 2009, we would like to thank all our readers, as well as our advertisers and editorial contributors who have made The Butcher a reality. We wish you a wonderful, peaceful festive season, and a prosperous 2010!

Letters to the editor:
The Baker, PO Box 130676,
Bryanston, 2021 or
E-mail: newstr1@mweb.co.za

News Update

Our news update on movers and shakers in the meat and deli industries include:

  • Vegetable oil mix may substitute for pork fat in meats
  • Boerewors queen
  • SAB Kickstart Awards won by butcher
  • US meat industry says beef safer than ever
  • Artist of the month: Tracy Paul
  • Crown National Open Day
Read more...




Deli Counter – Fabulous Christmas fare

Christmas means different things to different people, but one thing is for sure - the holiday season is synonymous with food! Are you ready to offer your customers all their traditional holiday favourites and a few interesting new options?

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Meat of the Month - Turkey, goose and duck

Turkey, goose and duck meat are not very common in South Africa, but as consumer tastes evolve, this is a situation that may well change.

Read more...
Industry Insight - Abattoir regulatory structure

Understanding the regulatory structure of South Africa’s meat sector, requires a look at its history.

Read more...
Abattoirs – Managing an important role
in the value chain

While, understandably, most people prefer the existence of abattoirs to be kept out of mind, it certainly does a disservice to the important role abattoirs play in the food chain. Maintaining this important role cost effectively in a highly competitive market can be a challenge.  

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Training – Training for tomorrow

The critical lack of skills in the meat industry remains a cause for grave concern in terms of the sustainability of the sector, but there are solutions if industry players make a concerted, joint effort.

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Sausages – Super sausages

Sausages could well be considered the world’s first convenience food and have been around for thousands of years in various forms. And while sausages originated as a way to use up leftovers and the less appealing meat cuts, today, sausages have become a speciality in their own right.

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Profitable Opportunities – Boost your sales

Retail marketing opportunities, also known as impulse purchases, can significantly boost sales with Christmas around the corner and customers on the look out for some innovative ideas for Christmas stocking fillers. The Butcher has some great ideas for stocking quick sale items in your butchery and deli.

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Refrigeration – Innovation for cold rooms and meat chillers

Maintaining the appropriate temperature in a cold room or meat chiller is critical for butchers. For the safety of the customers and compliance to health regulations, this is one area where corners should not be cut. Fortunately, innovative solutions abound.

Read more...

If you require further information please contact us on
Tel: +27 11 447 1192 • Fax: +27 11 447 8736
E-mail: newstr1@mweb.co.za
PO Box 130676, Bryanston 2021, South Africa

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