The search for NZ's top butchers is back

The RMNZ team are pleased to announce that the Alto Young Butcher, ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice, and the new Pure South Master Butcher of the Year competitions will be going ahead this year. We've had to push the dates back a little with the regionals now taking place in August and the Grand Final taking place in late October.

As you can tell from the new logo, we're mixing things up with some exciting changes to the competition to ensure we are keeping our contestants on their toes!

FORMAT CHANGES TO THE COMPETITION

Re-introducing the Alto Young Butcher competition.
Including the new Pure South Master Butcher category.

We feel these changes will give our young butchers a more level playing field in the competition, leaving the masters of the trade to battle it out on their own pitch. The Pure South Master Butcher competition will only be at the Grand Final, there won't be any regionals.
Re-introduce the Waikato regional, which will take place in Hamilton. This is to capture those who live in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country and Taranaki.
Introducing a Mentorship Programme for our Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice entrants to help guide and support our young butchers through the competition.
We have added some new awards at the Grand Final creating more exciting opportunities for our Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice finalists, these include:
- NZ Pork Best Pork Product
- Tegel Foods Best Chicken Product
- Cabernet Foods Cleanest Bones Award
- Competenz Emerging Talent (ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice entrants only)

GRAND FINAL PRIZES

Alto Young Butcher of the Year Winner
- Trophy + International Study Tour
ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year Winner
- Trophy + International Study Tour
Pure South Master Butcher of the Year Winner
- Trophy + $3,500 cash
Plus Runner Up prizes in each category

We will continue to host our online meat clubs leading up to the competitions, we will update you on the dates of these.