Interview - Melbourne Meat Merchant

You could be forgiven for thinking the good old days of a full-service butcher who offers top quality meat from farmers whose names he knows are over. Not so! Melbourne Meat Merchant retains the old values of supreme customer service and exquisite quality beef, pork, lamb and poultry.

FFW: There’s great history around the Melbourne Meat Merchant business; can you tell us about it?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: There has been a butcher at the particular address since 1870 which has always been extremely popular and continues to be run by us with the same old fashioned values and excellent customer service.

FFW: What would you say is the company’s positioning?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Our USP is to sell premium Free Range, Grass Fed and Organic Meat. Furthermore we deal direct with farmers and we are a full carcass butcher so we are a proper butcher with a nose to tail and paddock to plate focus.

FFW: You seem to deal with a very small number of suppliers; why is that?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Dealing direct with farmers allows transparency for our customers.

FFW: Why do you think being able to trace meat back to the actual farms has become so important to consumers?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Giving clarity of where the product comes from gives it another level of integrity. Each of our farmers has a website where the consumer can see for themselves where their meat is from.

FFW: Does Melbourne Meat Merchant supply only the premium cuts of meat?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: We do not deal with the budget brands, however it doesn’t mean we can’t be competitive. As we are a full carcass butcher and avoid ‘boxed meat’ we do the butchering ourselves and can compete with all the boning rooms on like for like product. 

FFW: What quality virtues are you able to offer your customers?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Free Range, Grass Fed, Organic, Hormone Free, Growth Promotant Free, Paddock to Plate and Nose to Tail butchery.

FFW: Do you supply chilled or frozen?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Chilled.

FFW: Why does Melbourne Meat Merchant focus on grass fed meat? Is it due to consumer demand or the company’s own philosophies as to which is better; grass or grain fed?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Melbourne Meat Merchant business model is all about offering ethically raised produce. Grain and factory farmed produce is something we do not believe in and will not sell.

FFW: How does Melbourne Meat Merchant provide a personalised service to foodservice businesses?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: There is a big difference between a butcher and boner. Butchers work in butcher shops and have a higher level of skill than a boner who works with the budget meat suppliers. Our butchers talk directly with the chefs ordering their bespoke cuts therefore they will always know they will get the best possible service. As we are full carcass butcher, we will always have the cut that is being ordered.

FFW: What kinds of retailers buy their meat, poultry and smallgoods products from Melbourne Meat Merchant?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: We sell to large volume-based pubs, high end restaurants, small boutique cafes and supermarkets.

FFW: Are you able to pre-pack according to retailers’ or restaurants’ requirements?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Yes, we can cryovac any item within reason and pre-pack and pre-price for supermarkets.

FFW: Do you offer seasonal specialities such as Christmas hams?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Yes, Christmas hams, pork roasts and stuffings.

FFW: What kind of Halal products do you offer?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Our beef and lamb are Halal.

FFW: What is your favourite meat dish and do you have a particular favourite meat product or supplier?

Melbourne Meat Merchant: Our Free Range Pork is so tasty I can’t go past a pork cutlet, although I must say it’s a close second to the Dorper Lamb cutlet; I think it’s the most perfect cutlet on the market. When I’m after a big meat fix I’ll grill a 28 day aged Habbies Howe Rib Eye… I’m hungry thinking about it!

Well, if the butcher himself salivates thinking about the meat he sells to his customers, then it must be worth every penny. To taste it for yourself and to discuss your ordering requirements, contact Melbourne Meat Merchant today.