Waikato butchers win Central North Island competition
Butchers from across the central North Island sharpened their knives and cut their way through a two-hour competition in the regional stages of the 2020 Alto Young Butcher and ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year competition.
After a fierce competition, Brad Gillespie from New World Rototuna placed first in the Alto Young Butcher of the Year category and James Beattie from PAK’nSAVE Te Awamutu claimed first spot in the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year category.
Brad Gillespie of New World Rototuna
James Beattie, PAK'nSAVE Te Awamutu
This was the fourth regional competition in a national series to find New Zealand’s top butchers to compete in a Grand Final showdown in November. The central North Island contestants put their boning, trimming, slicing and dicing skills to the test as they broke down a size 20 chicken, a whole pork leg, and a beef short loin into a display of value-added products.
Brad has been a butcher for six years and says it was cool to win today, but even more exciting was to have three of his apprentices competing alongside him. “It was amazing to see how well they did in the competition and I feel very proud of them,” says Brad. “We have all had tremendous support from our store owner leading into the competition as he sees this as a way for us to improve the products we create for our customers.”
28-year-old James is in his final year as an apprentice and says he is very happy with his win. “It’s my second time entering the regionals and I think this year I slowed down and took more time to put the finishing touches on my display,” he says.
“My butchery manager Brendon, has been mentoring me in the lead up to the competition and I found his ideas and flavour profiles really helpful when planning what value-added cuts to create.”
Brad and James will now continue on to the Grand Final, on Tuesday 10th November at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, where they will further showcase their cutting skills, creativity and knowledge of the trade against the best in the country.
Head judge Peter Martin and judge Brian Everton
Head Judge Peter Martin who is Butchery Manager of Fresh Choice in Cromwell, is a strong advocate of butchery competitions.
“I believe the gains are huge for every entrant who has had to plan, practice and come up with creative ideas in order to compete against their peers today,” he says. “It not only boosts their confidence, but helps to raise the standard in the industry”.
Peter is particularly excited about the new mentorship programme introduced to the competition this year which has helped guide and support entrants giving them the confidence to put their best knife forward on the day.
“The mentorship programme has given entrants a boost and it’s clear to see the standard of the competition has been elevated this year. The high calibre of knife skills and the quality of the final displays made it a very close competition,” he says.
Alongside 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 competition is proudly sponsored by Alto Packaging, ANZCO Foods, Pure South, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Competenz, Dunninghams, Hellers, Tegel and Wilson Hellaby.