Butchers show their steel in new Scotch Butchers Club competition

A new competition for butchery businesses to showcase the craftmanship and innovation of the trade across Scotland has been launched by the Scotch Butchers Club, which is managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

Judged by an esteemed panel of international leaders in the industry, members of the Scotch Butchers Club who enter will be tasked to construct a counter display of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork showcasing their business’s innovation and flair.

Gordon Newlands, QMS Brand Development Manager, said: “Although there are already great butchery competitions in Scotland, they focus solely on individual skills and we wanted to launch something that challenges businesses as a whole, and celebrates their important place in our communities.

“Competing against some of the best butchery businesses in Scotland is a great learning experience and provides an opportunity for everyone within the business to showcase their talent.”

The judging panel from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand and Holland, will be assessing entries on overall technical skill, product innovation, creativity, presentation of the products on display, as well as health and safety.

The Scotch Butchers Club is managed by QMS and has close to 275 committed members across GB who are independent butchers and approved stockists of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. Independent butchers can apply to join the Scotch Butchers Club for £75 per year.

“It’s been a tough year, but independent butchers across the country have risen to the challenge and demonstrated their craftmanship, product knowledge, provenance, speciality and innovation to meet the consumers’ needs,” added Gordon.

First place will receive £500 and the Championship Trophy which will be displayed in their shop for one year. The competition is open to members of the Scotch Butchers Club from 7 - 23 May and entry applications can be found on the Quality Meat Scotland website.

Click here for the application forms - https://www.qmscotland.co.uk/scotch-butchers-club-competition