Provenance & SOURCING
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We work with trusted, approved suppliers to source a variety of local, UK, EU and Red Tractor approved ranges of meats. Our relationships with our suppliers ensures we can source consistent, quality meat, to suit the requirements of chefs working at all levels of catering.
Our team of buyers are led by Mary Curran. Mary holds great experience in the meat industry having worked as a buyer for over 16 years, Mary has built great relationships with some of the best suppliers. Animal welfare is a priority to Henson Meats. Mary, “As an animal lover, I couldn’t do this job if I saw the animals being mistreated. Animal welfare is paramount, so we will only work with suppliers who work in an ethical way and treat the animals with respect and care, in a stress-free environment. We work with producers who share our standards of welfare and who we can build long-term partnerships with in order to offer consistency in product and price.” |
Henson Meats Buying Team pictured above
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The environment and the welfare of animals are not Henson’s only concerns; we are members of the Ethical Trading Initiative, pledging our commitment to protect and respect worker’s rights, both within our business and in our supply chains. Since joining the ETI, Henson have incorporated management systems into the business in order to better understand our supply chains and the potential ethical risks they present. Julian Pickles, Henson’s Business Director, “The need to have a strong ethical supply chain will become a prerequisite for all businesses in the food industry in the near future. I am proud of our business for being one of the first wholesale butchers to recognise the importance of worker’s rights, not only within our own business, but in our supply chain. By joining the ETI we have committed to following through on our beliefs.”
Changes in consumer habits; Meat consumption
It’s no secret that there is currently a movement towards reducing the amount of meat we eat. This advice comes following concerns over the effects of farming on climate change and also the promoted health benefits of reducing meat consumption in our diets.
As catering butchers, Henson Meats is committed to taking our share of responsibility in ensuring the planet is preserved as best we can, for future generations. Meat remains a great source of protein. So, how can you continue to offer meat on your menu whilst remaining mindful of the wider need to reduce consumption for environmental reasons;
- Buy the best quality meat you can. Henson’s in-house dry ageing facilities offer a premium offering for menus, with customers able to specify the exact length of ageing they require to suit their tastes.
- Use the whole animal – nose to tail. Henson are able to prepare the animal for you, advising how you can utilise all parts effectively on your menu.
- Work with suppliers who work with farms and producers where animal welfare, rearing, and slaughter methods are top priority.
In addition to a full complement of meat, from rare and native breeds of beef (dry or wet aged), all cuts of steak, chicken, sausage, burgers, game, charcuterie and offal; Henson are also able to offer meat-free menu alternatives such as, vegetarian sausages and vegan burgers. Contact our team to discuss our full range of vegetarian, vegan - meat free alternatives.
