Award-winning butcher busts supermarket meat price myth once and for all
Craig Munro, owner of Munro's Quality Meats, wants Aussie shoppers to know swapping the supermarket aisle for their local butcher won't actually break the bank.
In fact, if you know what to ask, your local butcher might just be the secret weapon for your weekly budget.
This is despite higher-than-normal prices for some cuts of meat over the summer months.
If you know what to ask, your local butcher might just be the secret weapon for your weekly budget. Getty
"We had a drought down south that saw some meat prices increase over the warmer months, but that has eased off a bit into the winter months," the Sydney-based butcher told nine.com.au.
Munro urges shoppers to compare the cost of meat at their butcher with their local supermarket using per-kilos prices, instead of relying on the per-packet prices seen at supermarkets, which can make the meat there appear more affordable when this isn't the case.
He also suggests customers ask their local butchers for recommendations, adding that his staff are happy to help shoppers choose the best cuts of meat possible, to suit any budget.
"Have a conversation with your local butcher and they'll be able to point you in the direction of something that will work within your budget and ability.
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There's plenty to choose from in the winter months, with affordable cuts like lamb shanks proving popular. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
"And you can always bulk that out by making a sausage meal or something else. There's always a way you can bulk it out to fit that dollar further."
There's plenty to choose from in the winter months, with affordable cuts like lamb shanks proving popular.
"You definitely need an little bit of extra cooking time for these, but you'll reap rewards," he said.
Munro Quality Meats also makes their own sausages and meat patties, which are another affordable option for shoppers, and are great for quicker meals during the week.
His staff will even give advice on the best sides to go with their purchases.
"While a good cut of meat is great to have on your dinner table, you also need to add a good side to complete the meal. So we like to provide that little bit of extra service there as well."
Munro's Quality Meats is happy to fly the flag for local butchers across the country.
They were recently crowned Best Butcher at the 2026 Australian Small Business Champion Awards, a win that has thrilled Munro and his staff, and capped off what has already been a stellar year for the business.
They were recently crowned Best Butcher at the 2026 Australian Small Business Champion Awards. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
"This year we've already won Best in Show at they Sydney Royal Easter Show for our ham and bacon, and for our charcuterie at the Australian Meat Industry Charcuterie Awards," he said.
"We got Gold for our traditional leg ham and our salt-cut bacon, and also our chorizo."
Munro's Quality Meats has been in the Munro family for generations, operating out of Wilberforce in Sydney's north-west in New South Wales.
Their flagship store is in Wilberforce and a second location is scheduled to open in July. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
They are further proof local butchers are alive and well and thriving, amid soaring supermarket meat prices.
"My father and grandfather opened this store in 1985. I've been very fortunate to work alongside and learn from both my father and grandfather," Craig explained.
Munro's Quality Meats services their local area via their flagship Wilberforce store and are currently setting up a second location scheduled to open in July.
Owner-operator Craig Munro helps customers to make the best choice for their families. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
He said they are happy to work with any budget and are happy to give cooking tips. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
"We're a big part of the community. We have our local sporting clubs, cricket clubs, soccer clubs, rugby league, rugby union and the schools as well.
"So we like to get involved with all those clubs, with sponsorships and provide the sausages for the Saturday morning sausages."
When it comes to how to store meat, Munro said no more than four days in the fridge, and up to four months in the freezer.
The pies are very popular with tradies that work in the area. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
They make their own sausages, meat patties, and ready meals. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
The best way to defrost it is to place it in the freezer and let it defrost "nice and slowly".
Everything is always fresh at Munro's Quality Meats due to their high turn over, and they sell pies and ready-made meals as well.
The pies are very popular with tradies that work in the area.
"We also do pre-cooked pies, family-sized ones, that you can heat up yourself at home."
Munro's favourite cut of meat to eat is 'a good steak on the barbeque'. Instagram@monrosqualitymeats
Munro's favourite cut of meat to eat is "a good steak on the barbeque" with some chimichurri seasoning on it – a dry blend of herbs and spices including parsley, garlic, chilli, salt, and pepper.
"And a nice squeeze of lemon," he said.
The butcher uses charcoal on his barbeque and recommends potato bake as a perfect side for dinner, another favourite for budget-conscious families.
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