In contrast, Sonny's ex is a meat processor (7)
I believe the answer is:
butcher
'a meat processor' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'in contrast sonny's ex' is the wordplay.
'in contrast' becomes 'but' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'sonny's ex' becomes 'cher' (I've seen this in another clue).
'but'+'cher'='BUTCHER'
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for butcher that I've seen before include "Kill - food retailer" , "Meat purveyor" , "He cuts up and sells meat" , "Purveyor of meats" , "Meat seller" .)