Timmy Watson has been named the 2014 Alto Young Butcher of the Year. Runner Up was Jeremy Garth from New World Woolston in Christchurch.
The highly regarded competition, which was held in Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre recently, has recognised the talent of New Zealand’s butchers for three decades running, with the level of skill increasing every year.
Watson, from Allenton Meat Centre in Ashburton, endured a cutting test, an exam, an interview and a grilling mystery onstage challenge involving a pop up butchery and an assortment of ingredients planted in the audience.
Watson is looking forward to his prize of a study tour around Europe next year. “Being a part of such a prestigious industry event, and even better coming out on top, has just confirmed I am on the right path of one day having my own store. It just goes to show, when you put the work in, you get the results,” he says.
Joining Watson on the study tour is Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year winner, Luka Young from PAK’nSAVE Lincoln Road in Auckland. (Runner Up was Amy Jones from New World Taumarunui.)
Regional competitions were held earlier in June to determine a winner from both categories to go forward to the Grand Final.
The Alto Young Butcher and Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year competition is supported by Alto Packaging, Competenz, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Cabernet Foods, Dunninghams, Hellers, Kerry Ingredients, New Zealand Pork, Wilson Hellaby, Natural Farm and Tegel.
