An award-winning butcher's shop in, known for its pink delivery vans, has closed due to rising costs, prompting asset sales.

An award-winning butcher’s shop, famed for its bright pink delivery vans, has announced its closure after being hit by rising costs, Insider Media reports.

The Butcheress, based in Hagley near Stourbridge, ceased trading in September after owner Rachel Evans said the business was “unable to continue.”

The company, which supplied meat to businesses across the county, confirmed the news in a heartfelt post on Facebook, thanking customers for their support.

“To let all of our valued customers know, The Butcheress has ceased trading today and has closed,” the post read. “Due to rising costs, we are unable to continue.”

The closure has prompted an outpouring of sadness from loyal customers who praised the business for its quality produce and standout branding.

The Butcheress had expanded from its beginnings to open shops in Stoke Prior and Hagley in Stourbridge.

Its products - including sausages and home-cured bacon burgers - had previously earned awards in both the Great British Butchers and Meat Management Awards.

Owner Rachel Evans also gained individual recognition, reaching the finals of the Women in Meat Awards 2021.

Following the shutdown, The Butcheress has entered liquidation, with Tim Heaselgrave of the Timothy James Partnership appointed as liquidator. Walsall-based chartered surveyor, valuer, and auctioneer Kumar and Company has been instructed to handle the sale of the firm’s assets.

The online auction, which runs until Thursday, October 23, includes 92 lots ranging from butchery equipment—such as knives, vacuum sealers, Avery scales, and butcher’s blocks—to commercial kitchen gear, a Transit Connect fridge van, a pick-up truck, and two additional vans.

Rajiv Kumar, managing director of Kumar and Company, said the closure highlights the pressure many small food businesses are currently facing.

“This is another business taken down by rising costs such as National Insurance, energy, and the price of meat, alongside a fall in customer spending in a tough economy,” he said. “This comes despite the high profile the owner had created for her business, with its bright pink vans and logos.”

Kumar added that there has already been “considerable interest” from online bidders in the auction.

The Butcheress had built a strong local reputation for quality meats, innovation, and eye-catching branding—but like many independent food producers, it could not withstand the squeeze of soaring operating costs and falling consumer spending.