Janan customer Mirchi Cash & Carry in Oxford has been named the UK’s best halal butcher after proving itself a cut above the rest in the annual Butcher’s Shop of the Year Awards 2011.
The Cowley Road outlet, which specialises in halal food from around the world, impressed the judges from awards organiser Meat Trades Journal as it scooped the prestigious prize for the second year running in the annual awards which were held in London.
Naved Syed, managing director of Janan Meat, says: “Many congratulations to Director Sharif Miah and his staff for winning this award. We have supplied our meat products to Mirchi stores for many years and know the shops set and maintain the highest standards in all aspects of the butchery trade and customer service.”
Sharif Miah, who was presented with the award by Ed Bedington, Editor of Meat Trades Journal and Chris Leeman, Project Manager for Retail at award sponsor Eblex, adds: “It was great to be recognised in this way. Our focus is to grow our business through working with companies who understand our needs and our business. Janan Meat does this with efficient service and the highest standards of halal meat and this makes our customers to come back to us time after time.”
The judges said: “The term ‘Cash and Carry’ does not do justice to the retail excellence of this business. A wonderful range of precisely cut meats is displayed alongside informative ticketing.
“Everything at the front and back of the shop is spotlessly presented, and such has been the success of the shop that it has become a model for other newly opened businesses in the area. Customers come from far and wide because it has a reputation for selling high quality halal meat and gives good value for money.”
They also noted that, as well as being a model business for its location, Mirchi Cash and Carry played its part in the local community, sponsoring a local football team and selling food at a discount, as well as donating some free, to a nearby kitchen that feeds the homeless.
Meat Trades Journal Editor Ed Bedington said: “Over the last few years we’ve seen increasing numbers of retail operators catering to the halal market, and we’re delighted to be able to have the opportunity to offer some recognition to that sector. By winning this award, Mirchi enters an exclusive group that represents the crème de la crème of British butchery.”
