Knives flashed and bandsaws hummed yesterday in a battle of the butchers that saw competitors go head-to-head to find out who was a cut above the competition.
There were three titles up for grabs, the Alto Young Butcher of the Year, the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year, and the Pure South Master Butcher of the Year.
Finalists were chosen in September after five tightly fought regional competitions in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, involving more than 40 competitors.
The grand final was streamed live to the industry from the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland last night.
For the Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentices categories, competitors were tasked with breaking down a size 20 chicken, a whole pork leg, a beef short loin, and one mystery cut, a lamb forequarter, into a display of value-added products.
The two-hour cutting test required competitors to keep their nerve and showcase their expertise in front of a team of eight judges.
In addition to this, the apprentices were also expected to complete a 30 question, multiple choice exam and an interview with the judges as part of their route to glory.
Alto Young Butcher of the Year, James Smith. Photo / Supplied
James Smith from Pak'nSave Pukekohe won the Alto Young Butcher of the Year title and Blair Wright from Peter Timbs Meats in Christchurch was crowned ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice.
Smith, one of the pre-competition favourites and a Hellers Sharp Black, was delighted with his win.
"There's been a lot of stress and hard work on my part to get here. I've been in a lot of competitions over the years, so I am really pleased to finally take out the title."
The ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice category provided an invaluable opportunity for those just starting out in the industry.
This was true winner Wright, who was the youngest competitor on show, having only just turned 19.
"It's awesome I've won, I'm totally blown away. I've put in hours of practice, repetition was key to get everything perfect."
Pure South Master Butcher, Rob Lees. Photo / Supplied
Meanwhile, the Pure South Master Butcher competition was open to all qualified butchers 31 years and older.
This category saw six of New Zealand's master butchers battle it out on their own pitch, which gave the Alto Young Butchers a more level playing field.
Competitors in this category had two hours to break down a beef banjo and a whole lamb and impress the judges with their value-added display.
Rob Lees, who only agreed to enter the competition in a deal with his apprentice, was pleased he took home the whopping $3,500 cash prize.
"You've got to back yourself in these competitions, but I am definitely surprised to have won. It's taken a lot of practice, but it's gone smoothly tonight. I've really enjoyed the experience."
Pure South Master Butcher, Rob Lees. Photo / Supplied
Head Judge Peter Martin, butchery manager of Fresh Choice in Cromwell, was a strong advocate of butchery competitions.
"I've been to all the regionals and I've seen passion for the industry and hunger from individuals. The skills they possess shines through and shows in the displays produced tonight. It actually makes judging not very fun because of how difficult it is to decide a winner."
Alto Young Butcher of the Year, James Smith. Photo / Supplied
Alongside Peter Martin on the judging panel was:
• Alana Empson from Foodstuffs North Island
• Peter Farrelly from Wilson Hellaby
• Corey Winder, Captain of the Hellers Sharp Blacks team and from Elite Meats Bush Inn
• Jeremy Garth, a member of the Hellers Sharp Blacks team and from New World Ferry Road
• Brian Everton from Cabernet Foods
• Mark Wylie from the Rollex Group, who was the Chef Judge, who judged the cookability of the products
• Luka Young, a member of the Hellers Sharp Blacks, from New World Eastridge, Auckland
As well as industry and peer recognition, the winning Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year receive a coveted trophy and a study tour.
The Pure South Master Butcher of the Year received a trophy and a $3500 cash prize.
