Meat Mogul Tariq Sheikh: Slicing Through Boundaries, Serving Global Plates
A closer look at the inspirational journey of Tariq Sheikh, and how his passion put British meats in the lime-light
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In the intricate landscape of the meat industry, there emerges a luminary who has not only mastered the art of butchery but has also carved a niche for British meat on the global stage. Tariq Sheikh, a visionary entrepreneur, is the maestro orchestrating this culinary symphony. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a titan in the meat industry showcases not only the evolution of his own story but also the transformative power of British meat on the international culinary scene.
Born in Pakistan in October 1961, Tariq Sheikh’s journey took an unexpected turn when he moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 4. Little did he know that the vibrant streets of the UK would lay the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in the culinary world.
Tariq’s story takes an intriguing twist as he transitioned from working at Huckleberry’s to envisioning a brighter future for the halal meat industry. By 19, he had already climbed the ranks, managing a growing chain as an area manager. However, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited within him, leading to the creation of Tariq Halal Meat in his 30s.
Tariq Sheikh’s vision for Tariq Halal Meat extended far beyond the traditional, dimly lit butcher shops of yesteryear. He envisioned a world where British meat would be celebrated on a global scale, and his journey became a relentless pursuit to transform dingy meat shops into gleaming, five-star establishments. His ambition was audacious, but it was this audacity that laid the foundation for an empire.
“I have seen many butcher shops in my time and it dawned upon me that the traditional halal butcher should be modernising with the other businesses so that customers could enjoy the experience of a high end retail butcher.”
Tariq’s journey mirrors the ascent of British meat onto the global culinary stage. With 30 Tariq Halal Meat stores and a burgeoning network, he has propelled British meat into the spotlight. His success is not just measured in numbers and revenue but in the global recognition of the quality and excellence that British meat represents.
As Tariq Sheikh moves through the world in his gleaming Bentley Azure, rubbing elbows with high-flyers at London’s esteemed Michelin star restaurants, he remains an unapologetic Royalist and Anglophile. His love for London and Britain is unwavering, and he proudly declares, "I see myself as a British success story, and I owe my success to this great nation.
“In the UK, opportunity abounds for those ready to embrace hard work and leadership. This small island has made a big impact worldwide, inspiring me to start my business in what I consider the greatest country on Earth."
Beyond the world of meat and business, Tariq Sheikh is also a philanthropist with a heart as big as his ambition. Supporting causes like the Prince of Wales’s British Asian Trust, British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Foundation, he exemplifies the idea of success with a purpose. He has also set up a not for profit foundation in his endeavour to ‘send back the elevator’.
Tariq Sheikh, claims that the USP of British meat is freshness and with Brexit, we are now more suited to look for opportunities across the rest of the world, including the booming meat market in the Gulf. He believes the British meat differs significantly from the frozen meat in the Middle East - which is sent from New Zealand and Australia.
Tariq Halal Meat is available at Sainsbury’s, offering a selection of halal-certified meats for those seeking particular dietary requirements or preferences. It’s a convenient option for shoppers looking for halal products within Sainsbury’s grocery selection.
Tariq Sheikh’s journey from modest beginnings to carving a niche for British meat on the global stage is more than a business success story; it is a cultural evolution. His dedication to transforming the halal meat industry and championing British excellence has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. As he continues to scale new heights, Tariq Sheikh stands as a symbol of how passion, vision, and unwavering commitment can elevate not just a business but an entire industry onto the global stage.