The National Federation of Meat & Food Traders (NFMFT) Premier Young Butcher competition was won by Conor Reynolds of M&W Farm Meats in Portadown, Northern Ireland. As well as picking up the top prize, Reynolds won firsts in the Ready to Eat, Stuffed Roast, Barbecue, Kitchen Ready and Display categories.
Runner-up was Daniel Binns of J Brindon Addy in Holmfirth, Yorkshire. Other entrants included Asa Blackburn of Lakings Butchers in Louth, Lincolnshire; Daniel Symes of Aubrey Allen in Warwickshire; David Jackson of Denstone Farm Shop in Staffordshire; Jack Eagles of C Lidgate in London; and Lennon Callister from Owen Taylors in Derbyshire.
The competition was judged by the Institute of Meat’s Keith Fisher, consultant Viv Harvey and senior assessor and business manager at Cambrian Training Chris Jones.
NFMFT past president Jim Sperring praised the entrants. “It’s great to see so much talent demonstrated by young people. They are a credit to themselves and the trade and I’m sure they all have great futures ahead of them.”
In the NFMFT Meat Products competition, the Supreme Award was won by Allan Bennett of Allan Bennett Limited for his pork pie. He beat almost 300 other entries across 22 categories to win the top prize. Michael Kennedy was crowned Supreme Sausage Champion for his lamb & apricot sausage.
Liverpool-based Edge & Sons Butchers also picked up a hat-trick of awards at the Farm Shop & Deli Awards. It won Butcher Shop of the Year, Regional Winner and Overall National Retail Award Winner at the show.
Run by Callum and Debbie Edge, the judges praised the business for its “highly ambitious management” and “innovative plans for the future”. The business’ supply chain and sustainability credentials were also highlighted.
Upon winning, Callum Edge said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognised by an industry body such as the Farm Shop & Deli Awards for our work, not only in our individual category but as both Regional and Overall winners. It’s especially gratifying to receive feedback from such esteemed and knowledgeable judges who really ‘get’ who we are and value our business ethics.”