Japanese Wagyu crowned world’s best steak

A first-time entry from Japan, Starzen Co wowed judges with its “melt in the mouth” ​steak, an A4 grade, 30-month-old female raised in the Kagoshima region – the ‘Akune Gold’.

Australia’s Jack’s Creek took home the award for World’s Best Rib-Eye for the second year in a row with its 32-month-old pure bred, grain fed Wagyu.

Best Fillet Steak was awarded to Poland’s MFC Carni for its female obtained by a cross breed of Polish Holstein and Black Angus. Norther Ireland’s Linden Foods took home the prize for Best Grass-Fed steak for its full bred Dexter.

IN total, Ireland took home the most medals at this year’s award with 54, followed by England with 36 and Finland with 28.

International scale ​

World Steak Challenge’s Ed Bennington said: “We are thrilled to have a new winner for this year’s World Steak Challenge. It is very exciting to have our first Japanese entry and consequently the winner of World’s Best Steak. The vast number of entries from across the globe truly showcases the quality of steak on an international scale.”​

This year’s challenge took place in conjunction with official host partner Bord Bia, equipment provider Synergy Grill Technology and Judging Partner FIRe Steakhouse. The World Steak Challenge is organised by Food Manufacture​ publisher William Reed, as well as other leading business food and drink publications. 

The awards were announced at the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin and were judged blind by a panel of over 60 independent experts.

Mark Zieg, Beef Sector manager at Bord Bia, said: “We are proud to welcome all the producers from around the world here to Ireland, where grass-fed and sustainable farming practices is core to our beef industry. ​

“We export 90% of our beef to over 50 markets around the world, even as far as Japan and the USA so it is very important to get our origin known and be recognised on the basis of quality and taste. In an environment like the World Steak Challenge with top producers, chefs and judges we feel it is the ideal opportunity to share our values in producing top quality beef.” ​

Eight year’s running ​

Now in its eighth year, the World Steak Challenge gives steak producers and suppliers the opportunity to showcase their product quality, breed credentials and processing standards on an international stage.

Last year saw JN Meat International take home the top prize with a grass and chocolate-fed Aryshire raised in Finland, the third time the Danish firm lifted the supreme world champion title at the annual even.

Richie Wilson, Culinary Director of FIRE Steakhouse, added: “It was a privilege to welcome the World Steak Challenge to Ireland and to have FIRE Steakhouse & Bar as the venue of choice for the 2022 judging process. ​

“To have the world's best beef cooked and served by our excellent team to a panel of industry experts was an absolute honour — a massive congratulations to all of the 2022 winners.”​