Sales of cheaper cuts of meat have rocketed as the credit crunch deepens, claims Waitrose.
Pigs’ cheeks, which were launched into four branches ten weeks ago at £1.35 per lb, are now being stocked in over 34 stores, the retailer says.
Sales of ox cheeks have risen by an average of 80% per branch, and alternatives to prime cut steaks such as beef skirt are also surpassing sales expectations.
The latter will be available in more than 40 shops from this month.
Established lines of cheaper cuts are also selling well, Waitrose says. It has seen sales of lamb shoulder shanks up by as much as 200% compared with 2007.
Waitrose meat buyer Anna Lloyd said: “The credit crunch is transforming the way in which Britons shop and cook. Customers are much more open to trying alternative cuts than they were even compared with six months ago.
“In doing so, many are realising that these cuts are every bit as delicious and easy to prepare as fillet, sirloin and breast.”
Waitrose buys the whole carcass from farmers.
