Butchers from the Bay of Plenty are celebrating national recognition after taking out top honours at the 100% NZ Bacon and Ham Awards announced at a formal ceremony in Auckland.
Mount Butchery led the region’s success, named Category Champion in the Dry Cured Streaky category for its Dry Cure Streaky.
Fellow Tauranga business Kiwi Fresh Meats also impressed judges, earning a gold medal in the same category for its KFM Dry Cure Streaky.
Waihī Beach Butchery added to the Bay’s tally, picking up a silver medal in the Sliced Ham category for its Manukau smoked sliced ham.
The awards, judged over three days, featured 233 entries from across New Zealand, all made using 100% New Zealand-born and raised pork.
Jason from Kiwi Fresh Meats accepting the award. Photo / Retail Meat NZ
Products were assessed by a panel of experienced butchers and culinary experts across eight bacon and three ham categories, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded.
Category winners then advanced to a final round to determine the overall Supreme Bacon and Supreme Ham titles.
This year’s Supreme Bacon title went to The Aussie Butcher in New Lynn for its middle bacon, while Sam’s Butchery in Silverdale claimed the Supreme Ham award with its bone-in ham.
Culinary judge Greig Buckley of Kai Foods said the competition was “incredibly close”, with only one or two points separating the top entries.
“The winning bacon stood out for its excellent appearance, skilful finishing of smoke and flavour, and an overall combination that delivered a rich, balanced, and highly satisfying mouthfeel and taste,” Buckley said.
“The winning ham showcased outstanding craftsmanship, using quality raw ingredients that were brought together beautifully to create exceptional flavour and a product that would really resonate with consumers.”
Technical judge Todd Treadwell of Well Hung Butchery in Milford said this year’s winners demonstrated the key qualities judges were looking for.
“We’re looking for that perfect combination, and this year’s winners definitely delivered it,” Treadwell said.
“It’s great to see such a high standard of products coming through. It shows how important this competition is in raising standards across the industry and reassuring consumers they are getting an amazing product made with 100% New Zealand pork.”
The team from Waihī Beach Butchery. Photo / Retail Meat NZ
Before the awards, more than 5300 votes were cast in the People’s Choice category, with Pokeno Bacon named the public’s favourite retailer.
Organisers say the competition helps consumers identify quality products at a time when value for money is front of mind, with award-winning bacon and ham available nationwide.