High-street butcher’s shops have enjoyed a bumper year with new data showing that 630,000 more households visited independent retail butchers in Britain, compared to the previous year.

New analysis from Kantar from the last 12 months, confirms that the public have turned to their high-street butchers and have spent nearly 50 per cent more per shopping trip in the butcher shop compared to other retailers when purchasing meat.

Chops, roasting joints and sausages all proved popular during this time.

A recent survey conducted by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) also painted a positive picture for butcher’s shops. In a survey of over 2,000 people, the quality of the produce at butcher’s shops was over 50 per cent of respondents’ main motivation for visiting butcher’s shops, while 38 per cent said they wanted to support local businesses.

Kirstie Jones, HCC’s market development officer commented; "Throughout the last 12 months, we have heard how customers have depended on their local butcher for food supplies, with many butchers adapting their business models and offering deliveries to serve their communities.

"It is heartening to see this represented in these new figures, showing that people really do appreciate the quality and service their local butcher shops offer."

HCC operates the Welsh Butchers’ Club whereby members are supported with Welsh lamb and Welsh beef marketing and promotional materials throughout the year.

Kirstie continued: "To encourage and reward committed butcher shop customers, HCC has created exclusive recipe booklets and magazines.

"New spring recipes booklets will be available at your local Welsh Butcher Club members across Wales over the coming weeks featuring a whole range of different meal ideas to suit the whole family – head to your local butcher to pick one up."

You can find recipe inspiration and details of your local butcher shop at eatwelshlambandwelshbeef.com