Perth product shortages: Local butchers enjoy surge in demand but warn of ‘perfect storm’ once COVID spreads

Local butchers are enjoying a surge in demand as interstate supply chains struggle – but some are warning of a “perfect storm” once COVID-19 starts shutting down operations. P.Princi butchers — a popular family-run business based in Bicton — has experienced a “big influx” of customers since 1-in-200 year floods took out critical South Australian freight infrastructure last week. “There has been an increase in demand on all lines really – meat, sausages, chicken, everything,” said Joe Princi, veteran butcher. “Retail and wholesale are going well, but particularly retail. Consumers can’t find meat at the supermarket so that’s where the influx has come through.” Last week, inland floods damaged SA rail lines and cut food supply lines to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The flood has left shelves bare at supermarkets around the metro area. In WA, Woolworths has imposed a two-pack limit on mince, sausages and chicken. Supply chain issues prove the value of buying local, Mr Princi said. “We promote local very strongly,” he said. “Stay home, stay in the West, we have such beautiful produce and meat down here. “Support your local butcher, support local suppliers.” Princi isn’t the only butcher experiencing a surge in demand. Kevin Goodchild, the CEO of local company Goodchild meats, said that demand had “absolutely” gone up. “The issues with Coles and Woolworths mean we’ve definitely been busier than usual,” he said. “Sourcing locally means no supply issues.” However, it’s not all plain sailing, warned Greg Ryan, director of Ryan’s Quality Meats. Demand for his company’s food service to hotels and hospitality venues has dropped due to West Aussies staying home — and the local business fears that the spread of Omicron will wreak havoc on local supply. “RQM have our own paddock-to-the plate supply chain on both beef and pork, so we are currently keeping up with demand,” he said. “I do see a perfect storm coming if the rail is still out of service and COVID gets into abattoirs and other large plants. “If WA starts seeing COVID, combined with lack of supply over east there will be a severe shortage of meats.”