Rouses in Exclusive Partnership for Local Lamb, Goat

THIBODAUX, La. — Rouses Markets has just struck an exclusive deal with Royal Family Farms in Crystal Springs, Miss., to supply it with fresh lamb and goat.

These most recent additions to the chain’s meat departments join other varieties raised and processed in Louisiana or neighboring Mississippi. Many represent exclusive arrangements with Rouses.

The 38-unit chain prides itself on its large selection of local products. Within two days of processing, Royal Family Farms’ goat and lamb will be offered in half of Rouses’ stores, but expansion into more of the stores is underway.

“I love the idea of two local family companies working together, but more than that, I love the way this goat and lamb tastes. It’s the very highest restaurant quality,” Rouses managing partner Donny Rouse said in a news release.

Other local, fresh meat offered by Rouses includes grass-fed beef from Gonsoulin Farms, and pork and duck from Chappapeella Farms, both Louisiana operations. Chappapeella Farms reserves its pigs and Pekin ducks exclusively for Rouses and selected upscale restaurants.