Meet the Judges: Shaping the Future of Butchery

 

This year, we're proud to welcome a panel of esteemed judges representing the very best of the international butchery community. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these individuals bring a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to the craft. Their insights and expertise will be instrumental in evaluating the exceptional talent on display. Explore the list below to meet the individuals shaping the future of butchery and hear their perspectives on the industry's challenges and opportunities. Get ready to be inspired!


JUDGES FOR THE WORLD BUTCHERS’ CHALLENGE

  1. AUSTRALIA - Stuart Louttit
    “The World Butchers Challenge is the pinnacle of stages that could influence future generations of butchers. Given the rise in awareness of the WBC since its inception back in 2011 to the current state where 14 countries will be represented is a testament to the growing recognition that the WBC has gained over the years.”

  2. BELGIUM - Norbert Van Speybroeck

  3. BRAZIL - Flavio Saldhana
    “One of the biggest challenges is maintaining skilled labor. The industry is facing a shortage of highly trained butchers, and as consumer expectations rise, it’s crucial to invest in training and education to ensure that the next generation of butchers has the skills needed to meet these demands.”

  4. CANADA - Michael Young
    “The WBC elevates the trade from simple butchery to a superstar persona on a global stage. These achievements promote the trade and send a positive message to young butchers and culinarians that the meat processing sector is exciting, competitive and sexy.”

  5. FRANCE - Benoir Reant
    “I think that retail butchery still has a bright future ahead of it. The consumer will always be looking for quality and advice.”

  6. GERMANY -Holger Fricke

  7. GREAT BRITAIN - Steven Strachan
    “The WBC is essential to bring ‘young blood’ into the trade and inspire the next generation.”

  8.  ICELAND - Stefan Einar Jonsson

    “I believe the evolution of retail butchery will grow exponentially with new products and better use of materials.”

  9. IRELAND - Dave Lang

  10. ITALY - Orlando Di Mario

  11. NEW ZEALAND - Peter Martin
    “Their innovation is something I will enjoy watching.  I also think that with each competition the standards of production and display increase, so I think the teams will have to be excellent to finish in the top three.”

  12. ROMANIA - Cosmin Moldovan
    “The World Butchers' Challenge brings visibility to the craft and celebrates its artistry and expertise. This exposure will inspire young butchers to pursue excellence, see their work as both a craft and a career, and keep traditions alive while adopting new techniques. I must admit that my decision to enter Romania into this competition was driven by a desire to bring this profession to the attention of the younger generation, to make it attractive and engaging, so we can pass down this craft to future generations.”

  13. SPAIN - Juan José Fernandez López
    “As it is my first experience as judge in the WBC I am willing to see all of the teams in action. For all of us (judges and participants) it will be a great opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the world and exchange different ways of working and treating meat.”

  14. USA - Danny Johnson

           

JUDGES FOR THE WORLD CHAMPION BUTCHER APPRENTICE AND YOUNG BUTCHER COMPETIONS

  1. AUSTRALIA - Suzanna Roegr
    “The World Butchers’ Challenge is as an excellent platform to influence future generations of butchers. It is a significant occasion where apprentices and butchers can work towards enhancing their skills and challenging themselves. Participants are rewarded and recognized for their dedication and hard work to the industry and are given an opportunity to network with fellow apprentices and butchers from around the globe. I am a strong advocate for the World Butchers’ Challenge and I actively encourage the apprentices and young butchers I encounter in my professional capacity to participate in this event for these very reasons.”

  2. BELGIUM - Tony de Clercq
    “We butchers play an important role for both younger and older generations. We need to keep advising everyone that meat, in moderation, is healthy and a vital source of vitamins, especially for children, women, and men. Butchers should distinguish themselves from large chains and department stores by focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and the careful cutting and preparation of meat and meat products.”

  3. BRAZIL - Alder Lopes

  4. FRANCE - Philippe Joseph
    “For me, the greatest challenge facing the profession in the future is to make people want to feed themselves in a useful way, with products that come from the land, as our ancestors always did.”

  5. GERMANY - Robert Schedel
    “The diversity, craftsmanship and creativity shown by the teams, are the perfect role model for the young generation of butchers.”

  6. GREAT BRITAIN - Simon Taylor 

  7. ITALY - Gianni Giardina

  8. ROMANIA - Samuel Widmer

 

JUDGES FOR AG2R LA MONDIALE CSR AWARD

  1. AUSTRALIA - Rob Constable

  2. NEW ZEALAND - Alana Empson

  3. FRANCE - Gregory Soudan (AG2R LA Mondiale)

  4. FRANCE - Alicia Fouletier (AG2R LA Mondiale)

JUDGES FOR THE DEVRO & VAN HESSEN WORLD’S BEST SAUSAGE AWARD

  1. CANADA - Michael Young

  2. FRANCE - TBC

  3. ICELAND - Stefan Einar Jonsson

  4. IRELAND - Dave Lang

  5. NEW ZEALAND - Peter Martin

  6. USA - Danny Johnson

Esteemed Judges @ WBC 2022 in Sacramento, USA.