Metro Cash and Carry, business-to-business wholesaler, has launched ‘The Meat Suppliers' Development Initiative' aimed at providing long-term strategic expertise to meat suppliers.
The move is expected to ensure supply of better quality and safer meat for customers, especially in the HoReCa (Hotel/ Restaurant/ Cafe) segment in India.
It will educate suppliers in the handling, storage and production of meat under the stringent HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certified conditions.
It will help align processes and techniques employed by meat suppliers with Metro India's best practices and experience.
The training programme was conducted recently at the Centre for Free Development in the IIHM (Indian Institute of Hotel Management) campus, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sealed Air (Cryovac), a fresh food packaging technology company.
Over 40 suppliers were introduced to international industry trends, production methods, new types of meat cuts, cold cuts, innovative packing solutions, and food safety and hygiene.
Personnel from Sealed Air demonstrated techniques of hygienic meat production, handling and packaging with the help of photographs and videos. Production teams from various Metro ‘Own Brand' suppliers were among those who attended the trainingMeat suppliers at the training programme appreciated the initiative.
“Metro offered us a great opportunity to interact with fellow suppliers in the trade,” said Mr T.G. Suresh of Venkateshwara Hatcheries. “The experts clarified many doubts on meat production techniques, and we look forward to other such programmes for our benefit,” he added.
Also at the programme, industry experts outlined market dynamics and the key challenges faced by the meat business in India. Prof Md. Nadeem Fairoze, Head of the Department of Livestock Products Technology, Veterinary College, Hebbal Campus, Bangalore, conducted an interactive session to highlight the importance of hygienic production and implementation of norms prescribed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Prof Fairoze highlighted the various advancements in poultry and livestock development, as well as meat production across the country. To demonstrate the range of meat products available in the market, samples were displayed and discussed.