North East meat supply chain strengthened
A FAMILY butcher has received funding to boost the North East supply chain with benefits from farmer through to butcher by improving provenance and reducing food miles.
Freeman Catering Butchers has been awarded over £155,000 through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) to help develop an integrated supply chain which will see stock being bought from local producers, killed on contract at a local abattoir and the carcasses fully processed at Freeman’s own site in Gateshead ready for sale.
The investment from RDPE is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union and will allow Freeman’s to invest in the supply chain by improving facilities at the Team Valley site.
The project will not only strengthen the red meat supply chain but will also provide environmental benefits, increase demand and provide better quality meat from sustainable sources for hotel chains, restaurants and pubs on a national basis.
As a direct result of the RDPE grant 10 new jobs will also be created.
Adrian Sherwood, RDPE Manager at One North East, which manages the funding, said: "Strengthening the red meat supply chain is a key priority for RDPE as it not only brings benefits to the individual businesses it also brings rewards for individual farmers.
"By fully processing the carcass on site there is full traceability for the end product which brings a premium rate with it and lower food miles give a better quality product, together increasing profit for all involved.
"By investing in the supply chain Freeman’s will improve their links with supplying producers and increase the company’s capability to process product on site and grow the business."
Freeman Catering Butchers is currently the National Catering Butcher of the Year having been established since 1953. The firm is now managed by James and Daniel Freeman, grandsons of the founder who launched the business as a local butcher shop in South Shields.
The business has grown significantly since then, when two years ago the company invested in plant and production efficiency improvements and relocated to a state-of-the-art factory in Team Valley, Gateshead.
Daniel Freeman, Director of Freeman’s, said: "Reports have shown us that there is an increased demand for red meat and for local provenance. This is why we decided to make a strategic decision to invest in the business and move away from buying pre-cut product to carcass, ensuring that we have the equipment and skilled staff in place ready to grow the business in this way.
"This RDPE grant is essential to achieve our long-term aims, increasing our viability as a business and also bringing rewards for the region’s supply chain and local farmers."
Henry Roberts, Chairman of Northumbria Larder, who provided advice to Freeman Catering Butchers throughout the funding application process, said: "This investment will instigate a plethora of positive returns and will add value to the region’s overall red meat supply chain – from the farm gate right through to the consumer as well as for Freeman’s business.
"The regional brand identity and presence of Freeman’s will be increased as a result of this investment, while additional production related jobs will be created along with staff benefiting from training in butchery skills and access to state-of-the-art equipment.
"I am delighted that One North East, through the RDPE project, have again demonstrated their understanding of the importance that the food and drink sector has within the region’s strategy for continuing economic growth and overall long term sustainability."
The Rural Development Programme for England 2007-2013 is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, with the aim of delivering targeted support to rural businesses and communities. It is managed in North East England by One North East, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.
