2018 - A year in review.

So as 2018 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the year that was - the biggest yet for the World Butchers’ Challenge. We’ve listed some of our favourite moments below…

From 4 to 12, entries into the competition triple.

Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and the USA joined existing competition heavyweights Australia, France, Great Britain and New Zealand.

First official World Butchers’ Challenge press conference.

In a World Butchers’ Challenge first, a number of media - both national and those who had travelled internationally with their teams - took place on the eve of the competition.

Travels across Ireland.

From St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, whiskey tasting in Ulster, inspiring tours of butchery shops which have been passed through generations to endless pints of Guinness and whiskey soaked porridge breakfasts - our tour of Ireland was unforgettable.

Our young talent hold their own on the world stage.

World Champion Butcher Apprentice & Young Butcher competition grew to new heights in it’s second year running.

It was Ireland’s call.

That moment when Team Ireland won the 2018 World Butchers’ Challenge in front of family and friends on home soil - not to mention, their first time competing. If you were there, we doubt you can look at this photo without singing Ireland’s Call and getting chills up and down your spine.

Sacramento is named host of the 2020 World Butchers’ Challenge.

Sacramento, the capital and heart of California, successfully won the bidding process to host the 2020 WBC at the Golden 1 Center. We also received bids from Paris, France and São Paulo, Brazil.

The World Butchers’ Challenge book is sent to print.

Yes, you heard that right. The Butchers’ Collection has been sent to print this week, which puts us on track for a February / March launch. 308 pages, 96 recipes, 12 team bios - collected, drafted, designed, proofed, edited, proofed again and finally sent to the press!

Looking ahead to 2019 and 2020…

The early part of 2019 will see us making some pretty exciting announcements. The official launch of our book - The Butchers’ Collection - will be revealed, 4 more countries set to compete in 2020 will be disclosed and we also have a special announcement in regards to an event taking place in 2019.

And it goes without saying that 2020 in Sacramento will only bring more growth, not just in terms of the competition but in developing and showcasing our industry.

On behalf of everyone in the World Butchers’ Challenge management team and on the council, I want to thank each and every one of you for your relentless support and joining us on creating this incredible journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and relaxing break.

- Ashley Gray, World Butchers’ Challenge