ABOUT RP MEATS

RP Meats is a trusted wholesale butcher supplying independent high street butchers, catering businesses, and farm shops across the South of England, as well as serving customers in the Channel Islands.

We take pride in providing premium quality British meats sourced from reputable farms, alongside a wide range of chilled and frozen products from Europe and around the world. Every supplier and manufacturer we work with meets both our own rigorous standards as well as all relevant regulatory industry standard requirements.

What truly sets us apart is our personal approach. We take the time to understand each customer’s preferences and specific needs, ensuring we deliver products and a service that perfectly match their expectations.

With decades of experience in the trade, our expert team combines traditional hands on butchery knowledge with technology, data and efficiencies to offer a reliable, knowledgeable, and professional service you can depend on.

Our History

Since 1977, RP Meats has proudly supplied the trade with premium poultry, meat, and game. As a family owned business, we have built a reputation for quality, reliability, and personal service. With decades of experience across wholesale distribution, retail, catering, and processing, we understand the demands of the meat industry and remain committed to supporting our customers with consistency and care.

1977 To 1982

1977 – Robert Powell splits with Powells Butchers and his brother Bill and starts RP Meats (Wholesale) Ltd with a 3.5 ton lorry and a small depot containing 2 tiny walk-in fridges!

1979 – RP is buying all goods from Smithfield Market and delivering to a base of 15 customers with a part-time driver.

1980 – Steve Thatcher joins Bob and they acquire another driver and 3.5t lorry and trade triples within a year.

1982 – Business moves to Fishersgate Industrial Estate and continues to expand.

1983 To 1988

1983 – Gren Miller joins from Weddel and 2nd unit purchased.

1984 – Staff now: 3 Directors, 1 Sales Lady, 2 Drivers, 2 Office staff.

1988 – 4 Lorries petrol bombed by ALF…Animal Liberation Front… industry rallies round and help comes from the most surprising places including competitors.

1989 To 1995

1989–92 – Business goes from strength to strength and the 2 units are outgrown.

1993 – December move into Unit 8 Brighton Meat Market… and never look back…

1995 – 6 Lorries petrol bombed in second attack by ALF.

1999 To 2004

1999 – Acquire Unit 6. Kitted out as a 60 pallet freezer.

2003 – Acquire Unit 5 setup as a specialist carcass meat department.

2004 – Extend into compound to build specialist poultry cutting plant complete with blast freezer.

2016 To 2018

2016 January – Business sold to Steve’s son Greg Thatcher – 22 Staff and one computer running Sage 50 Accounts recording ‘Sales of Meat’.

2016 September – Digital transformation begins with new ERP software installed – Computers on every desk.

2017 August – Made front page national news with internal robbery.

2017 September – Took delivery of world’s first slipstream meat retailer 12 ton lorries.

2018 – Fully digital stock control installed. Added 18 ton lorry.

2019 To 2021

2019 – Integrate route planning software.

2020 – COVID hit. Acquired Unit 7 and refitted as freezer.

2021 – Refitted Unit 8 with new and extended cold rooms.

2025

45 staff and growing!

Customer Service

At RP Meats, we pride ourselves on offering the kind of personal service that only comes from truly knowing our customers. We’re open five days a week with long working hours, because we understand that our customers’ businesses don’t stop early, and neither do we. Every customer has their own dedicated rep who gets to know them, their preferences, and how they like things done. This means you’ll always speak to someone who understands your needs and can make sure you get exactly what you’re after, every time.

Our Delivery Service:

This map shows our present delivery area. We’re steadily widening our coverage as we grow, and we’d love to bring our services to even more areas soon. If you’re close to the edge of our route, let us know as we may be expanding your way next!

Delivery you can depend on:

Reliable, scheduled deliveries to ensure consistent stock levels and uninterrupted operations.
Temperature-controlled transport maintaining cold-chain integrity from facility to destination.
Flexible delivery windows tailored to butcher shops, Catering butchers, Farm shops.
Real-time order tracking for full transparency and logistical confidence.
Next-day delivery on orders placed late into the evening for urgent restocks.
GPS-monitored fleet ensuring accurate ETAs and route efficiency.
Certified drivers trained in food safety and handling to preserve product quality.
Customizable standing orders to automate weekly or daily supply needs.
Secure, tamper-proof packaging prepared for transit durability and hygiene.