Scotch Beef popular alternative in Christmas feast ‘steaks’

Butchers in Scotland are expecting a busy final weekend before Christmas, and although Turkey is still the leader, an increasing number of people are looking to Scotch Beef for a tasty alternative.

Members of the select Scotch Butchers Club were contacted by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the red meat promotion and development body. The butchers contacted have shops in Inverurie, Aberdeen, Auchterarder, Forfar, Alyth, Monifieth and Carnoustie.

First indicators at that a growing number of shoppers are looking to alternatives this Christmas, with Scotch Beef Rib Roast being one of the top choices. Scotch Beef Sirloin and Scotch Leg of Lamb were closely followed by Specially Selected Ham. A traditional choice for New Year, the Scotch Beef Steak Pie is also proving popular.

The 2011 British Butchers Shop of the Year, Davidsons Specialist Butchers, reported that sales were up year on year, with the Aberdeen shop performing particularly well and staff working flat out to cope with Christmas orders.

Proprietor John Davidson commented: “Customers are looking for quality at Christmas and are going to their butcher to find it with our Scotch Beef Rib Roast, which is hung for 8 weeks, proving to be a popular choice for a rich Christmas feast.”

“Another surprise of the season is the early ordering of thousands of Scotch Beef steak pies, normally a New Year stalwart, but which now may be the meal of choice for a more relaxed Boxing Day.”

James Ewart Ltd has five shops in the Central belt and proprietor Alan Kennedy commented that sales of Specially Selected Pork had been strong throughout the year, predominantly due to good value for money, but as Christmas approached, his customers were turning to more expensive cuts and products to select quality products for their Christmas order.

“Sales of Scotch Beef Sirloin and Rib Roast have been unexpectedly popular this year,” said Alan Kennedy, “with Scotch Lamb legs also selling well and between our five shops, we have literally thousands of orders for New Year Scotch Beef Steak Pies.”

In Auchterarder, Stewart McClymont of Simon Howie noted that orders came in earlier this year, which may indicate customers taking a more strategic financial planning approach for Christmas.

“Scotch Beef Rib Roasts are definitely the most popular beef cut this year and our Specially Selected Ham joints are selling really well,” commented Stewart McClymont.

Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork are produced with whole-chain assurance, which already make them the meat of choice for regular, local shoppers keen to support the six assurance schemes. The schemes ensure high standards of production, feed, haulage, auction marts, processing and animal welfare are met.

The specialist skills of Scotch Butchers Club members underpin a wonderful creative flair. Consumers visiting their local butcher will find their staff extremely knowledgeable and able to recommend different cuts; give practical advice on cooking meat as well as preparation tips.

To find your local Scotch Butchers Club member visit www.scotchbeefclub.org