Samantha Weller of New World Rangiora has been named Apprentice Butcher of the Year, alongside the Pure South Sharp Blacks, who came second against tough competition from the local Irish team in the World Butchers’ Challenge in Belfast. Her win was one of the outstanding performances which saw the Kiwis beating the Aussies!
Four New World butchers formed a core part of the Sharp Blacks team – which only goes to show how important butchery is to the business.
“We are beyond proud of the part our team members have played in a very successful campaign to showcase New Zealand excellence,” says Steve Anderson, MD of Foodstuffs New Zealand. “Stellar performances from young butchers like ours are the result of hours of practise combined with a tonne of support from their respective owner operators.”
Samantha Weller from New World Rangiora was named World Champion Apprentice Butcher for 2018 which is an outstanding achievement, while Luka Young from New World Eastridge finished third in the World Champion Young Butcher competition. Helping the Kiwi team win ‘silver’ were Jeremy Garth from New World Ferry Road in Christchurch and Zak Grammer, also from New World Eastridge, Auckland.
“The competition is fierce every day of the week in a business like ours, and we rely on the skill and passion of every one of our team to step up and deliver fantastic products and outstanding service. Our butchery team is really something else – producing everything from award-winning sausages to delicious cuts for Kiwi dinner plates every day of the week.
“We know that good quality meat and protein makes Kiwis happier – and we’re determined to deliver that every time. This achievement is testament to that – and we heartily congratulate Zak, Luka, Jeremy and Samantha as well as the other fantastic members of the Pure South Sharp Blacks.”
Foodstuffs wishes to acknowledge the unstinting support of Beef + Lamb New Zealand who have worked hard to ensure that top quality New Zealand product and butchers take centre stage. “Rod Slater and his team have made it their mission to develop excellence in the industry at every level. They really deserve to take a bow,” says Anderson.
The Pure South Sharp Blacks are proudly sponsored by Pure South, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, New Zealand Pork and Argus. The team were joined by the ANZCO Foods Young Butchers of New Zealand who travelled over to compete in the World Butchers’ Young Butcher and Apprentice Competition.
