Nice to know

Why I, as a Food Scout and Meat Sommelier, Am Indispensable Despite Meatly's AI Assistant

The introduction of Meatly as a digital assistant is a huge benefit for meat4you. It's always available, fast, organized, and reliably supports our customers with questions, orders, and navigating our product range.

Nevertheless, I'm convinced: Meatly cannot replace my role as a Food Scout and Meat Sommelier. In fact, AI makes my work even more crucial.

1. Origin, trust, and authentic experience are my responsibility. As a Food Scout, I'm where quality is created. I visit producers, farmers, and partners personally. I see animal husbandry firsthand, talk to people, and sense their values ​​and attitudes. These impressions, this gut feeling, and this experience cannot be derived from data. Meatly can share information. I decide what fits into the product range and what doesn't. My name stands for credibility, transparency, and trust. Without this personal evaluation, there would be no real story behind the product.

2. Taste and sensory perception are my strengths. As a meat sommelier, I work with my senses. I smell, feel, taste, and compare. I recognize degrees of ripeness, textures, fat distribution, and aromas. I know which cut is best for the grill, which for low and slow cooking, and which is meant for special moments of enjoyment. Meatly can access knowledge and make recommendations. I experience taste. This experience develops over years and makes the difference between good meat and true enjoyment.

3. Personal consultation creates a connection. Our customers don't just buy meat; they buy trust. In conversations, I recognize their wishes, uncertainties, and expectations. I explain, inspire, and share my enthusiasm for high-quality products. Meatly provides excellent support in everyday life. But for individual questions, special occasions, or demanding consultations, I am the personal voice that creates a connection and provides reassurance. Emotion, empathy, and authenticity remain human.

4. Quality requires attitude and responsibility. For me, quality is not a buzzword, but a promise. I question processes, set standards, and am prepared to say no if something doesn't meet my requirements. Meatly operates based on defined rules. I define these rules.

5. AI makes my work more effective. Meatly takes over repetitive tasks and standard requests. This gives me more time for what matters most: producer management, quality control, product development, knowledge transfer, and training. I see Meatly not as a replacement, but as an enhancement. It scales my knowledge—but I create it.

Not human or AI, but human with AI.

Beware, there's fake asparagus circulating - or maybe not quite.

If you look closely, you'll see:

not everything that looks like asparagus actually is. But that's precisely what makes this season so exciting:

Tradition meets creativity.

Whether classically prepared with potatoes and hollandaise sauce or given a new twist on the grill -asparagus remains a true highlight on the plate.

My take: Now is the perfect time to play around with familiar dishes and reimagine them.

What's on your grill -classic or creative?

Here's a link to the fake asparagus:
Buy Bratwurst and Cervelat on meat4you.ch | easy online meat shopping.

A big thank you to LUGA and the Swiss Barbecue Association for the outstanding organisation and your tireless commitment.

A huge thanks as well to all visitors - for your interest, the many inspiring conversations, your feedback, and the amazing atmosphere throughout.

And of course, a big thank you to all BBQ teams and exhibitors - without you, this energy, this quality, and this experience would not have been possible!

It was incredible to meet so many enthusiastic people, make new connections, and experience this event together. Moments like these show what is possible when passion, quality, and team spirit come together.

LUGA was a great success for us.
And the best part: we rocked it together!

We are already looking forward to seeing you again and to everything that lies ahead.
Yours,
Chris, Jacqueline and Nicole

The degrees of doneness Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, Medium Well and Well Done provide in-depth knowledge about the cooking point of meat and its influence on flavour, juiciness and texture.

In this thematic section, meat sommelier Chris clearly explains how the individual degrees of doneness differ and how temperature, cooking time and heat impact shape the final result on the plate.

The focus is not on preparing a specific dish, but on developing an understanding of the correct doneness and its culinary significance.

The typical characteristics of each degree of doneness are highlighted, from the tender, juicy texture of Rare to the fully cooked consistency of Well Done.

This expertise is complemented by practical guidance, sensory indicators and background information that help tailor meat preparation to personal preferences.

The result is an informative knowledge section that builds confidence in handling high-quality cuts of meat and contributes to a deeper understanding of quality, craftsmanship and enjoyment.

Degrees of doneness are thus not viewed merely as stages of cooking, but as a decisive factor for conscious meat enjoyment.

Nice to know: Meat from raw to well-done Even in antiquity and the Middle Ages, cooking levels played a role, although they weren't yet systematically named. Meat was usually prepared over an open fire or on a spit. The cooking time depended heavily on the heat of the fire and the cook's experience. Nobles often preferred succulent, less cooked meat, while in ordinary households, meat was frequently cooked longer to make it more durable and easier to digest.

France and the birth of classic cooking levels: Today's cooking level terms originate primarily from 18th- and 19th-century French cuisine. With the development of haute cuisine, cooking techniques became more precise and standardized. French terms like bleu, saignant, à point, and bien cuit emerged to describe the precise degree of cooking of meat. This differentiation was important because high-quality cuts of meat develop different aromas and textures depending on the degree of cooking.

meat4you at LUGA 2026: BBQ Passion, Grill Masters, and Pure Culinary Delights

LUGA 2026 is just around the corner, and we at meat4you.ch will, of course, be there (April 24-26, 2026).

As Switzerland's largest online butcher, we're bringing our passion for high-quality meat, authentic BBQ craftsmanship, and exciting grilling ideas directly to the trade fair.

Our booth will be the meeting place for everyone who loves good meat, grilling, and authentic enjoyment. Here, everything revolves around quality, inspiration, and the joy of grilling together.

BBQ Passion Meets Expertise We are particularly proud that meat4you is an official sponsor of the Swiss Barbecue Association (SBA). Our collaboration with the BBQ community stands for quality, expertise, and genuine grilling culture.

Together, we promote the passion for grilling and show just how versatile and exciting BBQ can be. At our booth, you can experience this enthusiasm firsthand, get inspired, and chat with our team about everything related to meat, grilling techniques, and BBQ. Surprises at the booth A visit to meat4you is especially worthwhile because we've prepared some highlights:

Exciting insights into our world of online butchery
Inspiration for your next BBQ
Special products for true meat lovers
Little surprises for our visitors

Discover new favorite cuts for the grill, be inspired by new ideas, and experience the world of BBQ up close.

There for you in person For us, LUGA is more than just a trade fair. It's the perfect opportunity to meet our community in person. Many of our customers know us from our online shop. At LUGA, we can finally meet face to face.

Come by, say hello, and experience meat4you live. We look forward to welcoming you personally at our booth at LUGA 2026.

Swiss BBQ Championship: When the best grilling teams compete

A special highlight at LUGA 2026 is the Swiss BBQ Championship, where the best grilling teams in Switzerland compete against each other. The goal is singled out: the title of official Swiss BBQ Champion 2026.

MEATLY? Wer ist eigentlich der neue Mitarbeiter von meat4you?

Seit seinem ersten Einsatztag unterstützt uns Meatly rund um die Uhr mit aussergewöhnlichem Engagement, hoher Zuverlässigkeit und einer beeindruckenden Lernbereitschaft.

Besonders während des intensiven Weihnachtsgeschäftes hat Meatly gezeigt, was in ihm steckt. In einer Zeit mit hohem Bestellvolumen, vielen Kundenanfragen und grossem Koordinationsaufwand war er unermüdlich im Einsatz und hat einen entscheidenden Beitrag zu einem reibungslosen Ablauf geleistet. Dafür möchten wir ihm ausdrücklich danken.

In kurzer Zeit hat Meatly bereits vieles gelernt und mitgenommen. Er kennt unsere Produkte, versteht die Abläufe unserer Online Metzgerei und weiss, worauf es unseren Kundinnen und Kunden ankommt . Seine Rolle geht dabei weit über eine einzelne Funktion hinaus.

Meatly ist zugleich Berater, der kompetent und freundlich unterstützt, Dienstleister, der schnell und lösungsorientiert handelt, sowie Ausführer, der Aufgaben zuverlässig und präzise umsetzt.

Seine Stärke liegt besonders in der konstanten Verfügbarkeit, der klaren Kommunikation und der Fähigkeit, Wissen strukturiert weiterzugeben. Damit entlastet er unser Team spürbar und sorgt gleichzeitig für ein positives Kundenerlebnis auf hohem Qualitätsniveau.

Wir sind stolz, Meatly in unserem Team zu haben und freuen uns auf die weitere Zusammenarbeit. 

Mit seiner Unterstützung sind wir bestens für die Zukunft aufgestellt und können unseren hohen Anspruch an Service, Beratung und Qualität konsequent weiterführen.

My name is Christian Welti, but most people just call me Chris. As a certified meat sommelier and food scout at meat4you, I combine expertise, trends, and enjoyment.

My job is to discover, develop, and bring to life the very best that the world of meat has to offer our customers.

But what exactly does a meat sommelier do?

A meat sommelier is far more than just an expert on different cuts. They are a consultant, sensory analyst, trend observer, and storyteller all in one. The goal is not just to sell meat, but to connect it with background knowledge, quality, and inspiration.

The diploma course for meat sommeliers covered topics such as: 

• Cultural history of meat consumption
• Forms of animal husbandry and their influence on meat quality
• Animal health and breed characteristics
• Legal regulations in Switzerland
• Sensory analysis with practical exercises
• Quality management such as HACCP and good hygiene practices
• Butchering and naming of cuts nationally and internationally
• Production and tasting of meat products
• Presentation and sales conversations
• Grilling and cooking seminars
• Nutrition, trends, and consumer behavior

This knowledge forms the basis of my daily work at meat4you.

The pre-Christmas season is the busiest time of year for many companies – especially in the food sector. For us at meat4you, this period is also characterized by high demand, long working days, and a clear focus on quality and reliability. In our latest YouTube video about the Christmas season, we impressively demonstrate the amount of organization, teamwork, and genuine butchery craftsmanship that goes into every single order. For us, Christmas is not just a peak in sales, but a time when our standards for quality and service are particularly high. Huge pre-Christmas rush – the video clearly shows the sharp increase in demand for high-quality meat around the holidays. Our customers plan their Christmas menus well in advance and place great value on quality, regional sourcing, and on-time delivery. For us, this means precise planning weeks in advance, clearly defined processes, and a well-coordinated team that maintains consistently high standards even under intense time pressure. Every step of the process is meticulously coordinated to ensure reliable delivery even during peak season, without compromising on freshness or quality. Handcraft meets modern processes – The footage from our production facility provides an authentic glimpse into our daily work during the Christmas season. Our employees portion, package, and inspect the products with great care and expertise. Hygiene, freshness, and complete traceability are always our top priorities. The video also demonstrates how we strategically utilize modern technology and effectively combine it with our traditional craftsmanship. Machines support us in standardized processes, while the butcher's craft comes into play where experience, intuition, and a commitment to quality are crucial. This allows us to efficiently handle even large orders without losing sight of our artisanal values. Transparency and trust – A key element of the video is our openness. We deliberately show how we work and who is behind our products. For us, transparency is not a marketing promise, but an integral part of our company culture. Our customers should be able to trace the origin of their meat and how it is processed. This trust clearly sets us apart from anonymous large-scale suppliers. Especially during the Christmas season, when our products are part of special family moments, this trust is of paramount importance to us. Proximity to our customers – The video also makes it clear that at meat4you, we don't just sell meat, we create moments of enjoyment. Whether it's fondue chinoise, a festive roast, or special cuts for special occasions – every order is part of a unique Christmas celebration. We understand the diverse needs of our customers and tailor our product range and processes accordingly. This close relationship with our customers and an understanding of their expectations are crucial success factors for us in the highly competitive online food market.

The Swiss's favorite Christmas dish Meat fondue, Chinoise, table grill and fondue bourguignonne are all social forms of eating that focus on communal eating and are perfect for convivial evenings with friends or family. Each of these preparation methods brings its own special features and culinary experiences.

Meat fondue is a classic variant in which small pieces of meat are cooked in a large pot of hot oil or broth. The guests skewer the prepared meat with long forks and dip it into the hot pot. The combination of different types of meat, such as beef, pork or chicken, ensures a varied taste experience. Various dips and side dishes, such as fresh vegetables, bread and sauces, are usually served to round off the fondue dish. 

Chinoise is a variant of meat fondue that is inspired by Asian cuisine and has gained popularity especially in recent years. Here, an aromatic broth, often with Asian spices and ingredients, is heated in a special pot. Guests have the option of cooking different types of meat, fish and vegetables in the broth. Typical accompaniments are rice, special sauces and fresh herbs.

Chinoise offers a cozy atmosphere and encourages interactive cooking at the table. The table grill is another social method of cooking where guests can grill their food directly at the table. An electric grill is often used on which various ingredients, such as meat, fish, vegetables and perhaps even fruit, are prepared. The ability to determine the grilling time yourself makes it a flexible and fun dining option.

Table grills are ideal for relaxed evenings, as everyone can decide for themselves what and how much they want to eat. Finally, there is Fondue Bourguignonne, a particularly delicate form of meat fondue that comes from the French region of Burgundy.

Here, the meat is fried directly in hot oil, giving it a crispy texture. Traditionally, beef steaks are used, cut into bite-sized pieces and served with a selection of sauces and side dishes. Guests enjoy the prepared meat with freshly baked baguette and refreshing salads.

Regardless of the method of preparation chosen, these communal eating methods not only offer a delicious meal, but also a wonderful opportunity to spend time together, have conversations and discover new flavor combinations. Whether it's traditional fondue, contemporary chinoise or a sociable table grill - these culinary options create unforgettable memories.