Local butchers launch an online store
For a long time now, large stores have replaced mom-and-pop shops in cities and small towns throughout Latvia. Hundreds of small businesses have closed because nationwide supermarket chains offered convenience and lower prices. And who doesn’t love convenience and lower prices? But what about quality?
Knowledge was also lost. As local grocery stores, butcher shops, and bakeries closed, communities lost their artisans, their experience, and the knowledge accumulated over the years. Fortunately, over the past decade, small independent shops offering high-quality products have made a comeback, especially butchers (hey, we’re biased). We opened a store in Ērgļu Municipality in 2016. But what do people do without access to these local merchants? They turn to the internet, where it enables the realization of a new concept of a “local” community.
Here at “NEGANTIgardi.lv,” we practice what is known as an ancient meat-cutting technique. This technique allows us to isolate individual muscles, each of which has its own unique flavor and texture. This is one of the benefits of butchering the entire animal carcass. We always start with a whole beef carcass, which allows us to offer a wider variety of cuts to our customers. This way, we can offer lesser-known cuts, such as flank steak, brisket, and skirt steak. These cuts are usually less expensive than the well-known cuts of beef. However, they can have an even richer flavor and are very easy to cook. Not sure what to do with picanha? A knowledgeable butcher can help you, which is why the resurgence of local butcher shops is such a great benefit for consumers.
More and more people have access to high-quality meat, the opportunity to build relationships with local artisans in their villages and towns, and to learn more about the food their families eat. We are proud of the role we have played in bringing high-quality organic beef products to consumers.
However, this revival also has its downsides. Running a small, sustainable business is expensive. Responsibly raising cattle and poultry is expensive, rent for space in cities is expensive, and paying qualified employees is also expensive. Although it is pleasant and exciting to see local shops opening, unfortunately, they often close as well. When that happens, it is the local residents who feel the impact the most.
However, the internet has opened up broader business opportunities, including in terms of location. We are advocates of locally produced goods. Our cattle are raised just a few kilometers from our store, and our processing facility is even closer. By launching an online store, we have the opportunity to sell our organically raised beef to all residents of Latvia, as well as to share the knowledge that we pass on to our local customers every day in our store.
When you visit our online store, you’ll not only have access to the most delicious meat you’ve ever tasted, but also the opportunity to find answers to any questions you may have. Take, for example, the various cuts of beef mentioned above. You’ll learn which part of the animal each cut comes from and get tips on how to turn them into a wonderful meal.
This is the kind of experience and expertise you can only expect from a local butcher. We bring this sense of having a local master craftsman right at your fingertips to all residents of Latvia. You’re just a few clicks away from fantastic meat products and engaging information about them.
Supermarkets are successful because they offer convenience. You found everything you were looking for—tires! pajamas! pork chops! deodorant! However, what they don’t provide is high-quality products and a human touch. The internet has overcome this obstacle, making shopping easier than ever before. It connects you with high-quality products sold by knowledgeable and passionate people, no matter where you live.
The internet has brought us all closer together and has redefined the concept of community. Whether you’re 40 km away from us in Madona, want to try something new in Riga, or are somewhere in between us in Ērgļi, “NEGANTIgardi.lv” is your local butcher. No matter where you are.