Butcher backs meat producers as Woolworths to stop selling Tassie beef

Tasmanian butchers are urging locals to continue purchasing beef from local producers, despite Woolworths announcing its exit from the market by 2027. Launceston butcher Rob Perry expressed his optimism, stating that the supermarket's decision opens up new opportunities for butchers and consumers to support local farmers. The state government is currently discussing possible strategies with TasFarmers, the peak farming body, to ensure a smooth transition.

Woolworths made the decision to stop selling Tasmanian beef in their stores due to increased production and shipping costs across the Bass Strait. This comes as no surprise to the butcher community, who have been facing tough challenges in recent years. Launceston butcher Rob Perry revealed that he had always had access to a steady supply of Tasmanian beef, but now aims to promote the local product more aggressively.

Casalinga Gourmet Meats owner, Rob Perry, expressed his desire to cater to the premium market segment by securing a consistent supply of high-quality meat. He encouraged the implementation of more meat carters and the revival of abattoirs to facilitate the distribution of local beef. Agricultural non-profit Sprout Tasmania CEO Jennifer Robinson expressed her disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the need to ensure farmers have access to markets and the ability to process their own animals.

Tasmanian Liberal MP Nick Duigan also highlighted the substantial barrier posed by Bass Strait freight costs for businesses in Tasmania. He called on the federal government to review the Freight Equalisation Scheme, which is expected to be released in mid-2026. Perry and Duigan both emphasized the need for government intervention to support Tasmanian farmers, urging the review of the Freight Equalisation Scheme.