Christchurch Butchery Crowned Supreme Winner of the 100% NZ Bacon Award 2014
Independent Meat Processors’ Manuka smoked streaky bacon has been named Bacon of Year in the 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Competition 2014, beating 168 other bacon entries and 60 other butcheries for the top title.
The Christchurch based company is a large scale meat processor, supplying bacon and ham products to hundreds of food service businesses, restaurants and hotels throughout the lower South Island.
Owner Tom Coughlan is delighted about the win and says it’s all down to the incredibly talented butchers he has on board.
“Our 23 butchers are all locals and the majority of them have been with the company since we were first established 12 years ago. They come with a strong skill set, many have owned their own businesses, have an incredible work ethic and ultimately take pride in what they do. They look for the very best cuts of pork, then they work their magic to produce award winning bacon.
“We have had success in the past with multiple category wins, but taking out NZ’s Bacon of the Year validates the quality of the product we are putting out and we are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve.”
Independent Meat Processors also scooped a Bronze medal for their Manuka smoked sliced (bone-in) ham.
Head judge, Anita Sarginson, was thrilled to represent the judging panel again this year.
“This competition really highlights exceptional craftsmanship. It’s about showcasing the artisan products and the technical skill and ability of our butchers. Ultimately the Bacon of the Year was unanimously judged as deliciously sweet and tender. The texture was perfect and it left a moist taste that lingered in your mouth.”
The 100% New Zealand Bacon Competition is contested over five categories: Middle, Dry-Cured Middle; Shoulder; Streaky; and Middle-Eye.
This year, Gold awards went to Pokeno Bacon (Auckland), Peter Timbs Meats (Christchurch), Westend New World (Bay of Plenty) and Ellesmere Butchery (Christchurch); with Independent Meat Processors taking out the 100% New Zealand Bacon of the Year with their Manuka smoked streaky bacon.
The 100% New Zealand Bacon & Ham Competition was established to celebrate New Zealand’s finest cured pork products and to help customers identify and appreciate local, sustainable bacon and ham, and support NZ pork producers.
Winners by category:
100% NEW ZEALAND BACON OF THE YEAR 2014
Tom Coughlan of Independent Meat Processors, Christchurch
100% NZ Middle Bacon
Gold – Helen and John Clotworthy, Pokeno Bacon, Pokeno, Auckland
Joint Silver – Murray “Buzz” Sattler of Buzz the Butcher, New Plymouth
Joint Silver – Rob Cameron and Simon Harrison, of Cameron Harrison, Wellington
Bronze – Brydon Heller of Hellers Ltd, Kaiapoi, Canterbury
100% NZ Shoulder Bacon
Gold – Chris Timbs of Peter Timbs Meats Ltd, Richmond, Christchurch
Silver – Chris & Sue Brown, Ellesmere Butchery, Leeston, Canterbury
Joint Bronze – Tony Smith, Farmer Jones Ltd, Tauranga
Joint Bronze – Angus Black, Harrington Small Goods, Miramar, Wellington
100% NZ Streaky Bacon
Gold – Tom Coughlan, Independent Meat Processors, Christchurch
Silver – Nigel Jackson, Mercury Bay Meats, Coromandel Peninsula (First time winners)
Bronze – David Rossiter, Westmere Butchery, Westmere, Auckland
100% NZ Middle-Eye Bacon
Gold – Greg Dyson, Westend New World, Bay of Plenty
Silver – Greg Dyson, Westend New World, Bay of Plenty
Joint Bronze – Helen & John Clotworthy, Pokeno Bacon, Auckland
Joint Bronze – Ragupathy Nadason (Sam), Sam’s Butchery, Silverdale, Auckland
100% NZ Dry-Cured Middle Bacon
Gold – Chris & Sue Brown, Ellesmere Butchery, Leeston, Canterbury
Silver – Chris Beach, Cattermoles Butchery, Kaiapoi, Canterbury
Bronze – Rob Lees, Warkworth Butchery, Warkworth (First time winners)
100% NZ Peoples’ Choice Award
Helen and John Clotworthy, Pokeno Bacon, Auckland
For more information on 100% NZ Bacon, Ham and Pork go to www.nzpork.co.nz.
