Australia-Meat has become a luxury item because of price.

AUSTRALIA-MEAT BECOMING A LUXURY ITEM.

AUSTRALIANS love their meat, but their traditional Sunday roasts and backyard barbecues are under threat.

As household budgets are being squeezed, meat prices have broken out.

Australians pay twice as much as US meat lovers and consumer groups blame lack of competition.

There are more than 50 supermarket chains in the US, but only four major ones in Victoria - Coles, Woolworths, IGA and Aldi.

But if you are prepared to venture beyond the supermarkets, there are big savings to be made.

Consumers can save hundreds of dollars a year buying from wholesale butchers or direct from the farmers.

For example, Braeside Meats sells meat to the public, often at a fraction of the cost.

The wholesale butcher, at 311 Boundary Rd, Braeside, has meat up to half the price of supermarkets.

Consumers can buy eye fillet steak for $20.99kg at Braeside Meats, compared with $41.30 on Woolworths’ online shopping site.

"We reckon we’re the cheapest around," owner Tony Fletcher said.

"We buy our meat in such big quantities from wholesalers, we get it cheaper and pass on the savings to customers."

Meat lovers can save even more buying bulk packs from wholesalers - at least a quarter off the already low price.

Savings also can be made direct from the farm gate.

Rutherglen Lamb delivers premium meat throughout Victoria in vacuum-packaging for longer shelf life.

Going direct to the farm gate for a bulk delivery not only cuts costs, but also ensures quality.

For details, go to www.rutherglenlamb.com.au