Keith Fisher, AHDB master butcher advisor, is retiring from the levy board after dedicating over 40 years to the meat industry.
Keith, who is a fourth generation butcher and one of only 21 others in the country to hold the title of Institute of Meat Accredited Master Butcher (and was the second butcher to be awarded the prestigious title), has devoted his career to the development and excellence of the British meat industry.
Butchery is in Keith’s blood, as his family have been in the trade for over a century. His work has spanned all sectors of the industry, from the buying of live animals from auction markets and farms, to the cutting and processing of carcases for fresh cuts and products.
Keith trained at London's Smithfield College and Market. Since 1974, when he joined what was then The Meat and Livestock Commission, he has been responsible for developing and popularising many cuts consumers would recognise on menus and on shelf today, including popular and value adding dishes such as pork spare ribs
Keith’s work in the industry has stretched further and wider than the four walls of AHDB, with him holding the key position as chief executive at the Institute of Meat (a position he will continue to hold) and being a liveryman and court member of the Worshipful Company of Butchers.
Keith has also played integral roles in creating and judging butchery skills and meat products competitions, including holding the position of chief judge for the Meat Management Industry Awards.
“I contemplated retirement a few years ago, but I love what I do so much, it just kind of passed me by. I’m proud to have worked in an industry – for so long – where passion, perfectionism and progression are at the forefront of what we do," Keith commented.
“I don’t think I could ever hang up the ‘blue coat and hat’ forever, but it’s time I stepped back and let the next generation take the helm to help move the industry forward. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, and look forward to seeing which cuts and products will be presiding in butchers’ counters in the years to come.”
On Keith’s decision to retire, Meryl Ward, chairman of AHDB Pork, said: “In Keith we are undoubtedly losing a wealth of experience and knowledge. He has been a prominent figure within the meat industry for decades and we know we’ve been lucky to have his expertise at our finger tips all this time. He will be leaving a very big pair of wellies to fill, but we wish Keith and his wife Mary the very best for his retirement."
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
