05 Jan 2026
UK Butchers and Abattoirs in Sharp Decline
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Decline of UK Butchers and Abattoirs Threatens Meat Industry
A recent analysis has highlighted the alarming decline of traditional butchers and abattoirs across the United Kingdom, with over 1,000 such businesses closing their doors since 2010. This trend, driven by escalating red meat costs and mounting operational expenses, poses a significant threat to the UK’s meat industry, rural communities, and food security. The report identifies Lancashire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire as the counties most affected by these closures.
The disappearance of these local businesses has a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, impacting farmers who rely on them for specific slaughtering services and direct sales to consumers. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB ) has voiced its concern, warning that the loss of small and medium-sized abattoirs is detrimental to the farming sector. The number of abattoirs in the UK has plummeted from 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 in 2023, underscoring the scale of this industry shift.
Source: Daily Express | Published: 05/01/2026