MEET OUR 2022 JUDGES
We’re pleased to announce our team of skilled judges for the 2022 World Butchers’ Challenge and World Champion Butcher Apprentice & Young Butcher Competition. All judging will be overseen by Head Judge, Todd Heller.
HEAD JUDGE: TODD HELLER
Company: Hellers Contact: todd.heller@hellers.co.nz
“Bringing together butchers from around the world, the WBC provides an opportunity for face-to-face networking and an exchange of knowledge and ideas. The knowledge and international connectivity gained by the teams attending will enhance the standards of the retail meat industry back in their countries over time.”
WORLD BUTCHERS' CHALLENGE
Australia: Stuart Loutitt, Woolworths
“I am most excited about is meeting the competitors of their representative countries and to be a part of now very significant competition within the meat industry on the world wide stage.”
Brazil: Flavio Saldanha, FS67 Meat, Services and Innovation
“This event is a milestone for our category/class. I’m excited to see how the teams are going to show their talent, products and team work. Will be awesome to see these guys in action.”
Canada: Michael Young, Canada Beef
Accolades: During his professional career, Young has promoted Canadian beef, veal and pork on five continents in more than 30 countries. Young has conducted over 300 carcass cutting, merchandising and sausage-making demonstrations and authored numerous technical cutting and buying manuals.
“Unlike many culinary competitions that focus primarily on creativity and presentation butchery combines carcass utilization, value optimization and creativity to define excellence. The team able to master a balance of these 3 components will prevail.”
Great Britain: Gordon Newlands, Quality Meat Scotland
Accolades: Multiple product regional titles culminating in Best Unsmoked Back Bacon in Scotland 2007.
“This industry of ours is all encompassing and teaches us a lot more than the skills of butchery. Planning, regularity, respect, communication, dignity and of course skills with our tools. What delights me is to see the next generation of young people come through the ranks as it will be them that are our future leaders.”
France: Fabien Michel, EURL Boucherie l'Héritage
Accolades: Participation in national and international competitions as competitor, coach, and judge.
“The WBC is a special event since it was created by butchers, and for butchers! It is the only team competition of an international level which makes it possible to show the skill level of butchers around the world. The eyes of the world will be on the profession.”
Germany: Holger Fricke
Iceland: Stefán Einar Jónsson, Norðlenska
“I am excited to see what other nations are doing and meet professionals from other countries.”
Ireland: Dave Lang
Accolades: Member, Institute of Meat, Chevalier de Commanderie des Fins Goustiers du Duché d’Alençon, Trainer of the 2018 WBC Champions, Ireland, Dave’s website, butchermagazine.com recently won “Best Butcher Blog on the Net” by feedspot.com
“I have been a butcher for 50 years now and we are constantly evolving and adapting to changing circumstances, nationally and globally. The WBC shows the world the artistry and skill butchers have”
Italy : Orlando di Mario, Macelleria Mara La Bella
New Zealand. Peter Martin, Skills4Work,
“It is now truly a world event and gives an opportunity for the people in the industry to aspire to achieving something amazing, being the best in the world.”
United States of America: Bryan Mayer, Maui Nui Venison / Land To Market / Consultant
“We have a duty and an obligation to help promote and support the art and craft of butchery. I can't think of a better example of this than the WBC.”
Wales: Chris Jones, Cambrian Training Company
Accolatdes: Tri-nations butchery champion at 23 years old. founder of Butchery World Skills UK Competition
“I am passionate about retail butchery because it is a fantastic craft that is vital for the food industry and the public. I have long felt that butchers are unsung hero’s keeping the public supplied with amazing meat products.”
WORLD CHAMPION YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETITION
Australia
Peter Bouchier, Peter G Bouchier
Accolades: Inducted into Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) Hall of Fame in 2016, Winner- Retail Butcher Shop of the Year 2016 and multiple and various product awards throughout career.
“Retail butchery is ever changing as butchers constantly evolve to meet the needs of customers. There is always something new to be developed. I look forward to seeing what new elements the teams will bring to the table this year, with particular interest in what the new teams will offer.”
Brazil: Flavio Saldanha
Canada: Michael Young
France: Fabien Michel
Germany: Lars Bubnick, Bavarian Butchers’ Association
“I think the passion for the craft and the cohesion within the teams is particularly noteworthy. Everyone is putting in maximum effort to achieve the best possible result for their team. In the end, it’s the finer details that will decide the winner. One thing is certain, all the teams that participate here are great people who deliver great performances. I wish them all success but most of all a lot of fun!”
WORLD CHAMPION BUTCHER APPRENTICE COMPETITION
Great Britain: Gordon Newlands
Italy: Gianni Giardini, Macelleria Giardina di Giardina Gianni
Accolades: Best in Sicily 2019 (Best Butcher), European Judge in Augusta (Germany), Vice president of Nazionale Italiana Macellai, President of Butchers of Agrigento
“The WBC is a big family. I am excited to connect with our family of butchers from around the world!”
New Zealand: Alana Empson
Accolades: NZ Young Butcher of the Year 2015, International Young Butcher of the Year 2016 at the inaugural WBC
“I am looking forward to seeing what unique and creative ideas the Young Butchers and Apprentices bring to the competition, they are the future of our industry and it'll be awesome seeing them all showcase their talent on the world stage.”
United States of America: Bryan Mayer
Wales: Chris Jones