Freson Bros., in some ways, is going back to the future at their meat counter.
The COVID -19 pandemic has changed the way people shop and also affected the supply chain. Beef sales have risen during the pandemic, while at the same time prices have jumped. Outbreaks at Alberta packing plants have also had an effect on the supply chain. This has Freson Bros. looking to buy in a more direct way from producers.
Freson Bros. Director of Meat, Brian Petty, explains while they are still purchasing some of its beef, through the traditional avenues, every Freson Bros. grocery store have racks. This allows them to buy full carcasses and process many cuts of meat in-house.
He says the retailer has been sourcing beef for the chain. Each store has the knowhow to cut the beef, and also have a program in place and they are getting more in the departments trained.
This move has allowed the store to maintain its counters with a supply. And while it is cost-effective, there is more labour involved which has to be accounted for. He says one of the primary aims is to support local producers and the Alberta industry.
