Entries have closed for the 100 percent New Zealand Pork, Bacon and Ham Competitions and the race is on for the judges to find the tastiest and finest home-grown pork products in the country.
The competitions support New Zealand pig farmers, who raise pork solely for local consumption, and help customers identify and appreciate sustainable pork, bacon and ham which is PigCare Accredited.
This year an exciting new category has been introduced, Convenient Pork. Butchers are given the chance to create a great value, simple, yet mouth-wateringly tasty pork product for busy people who need a quick and easy weekday meal solution in the hopes that their creations become household favourites.
An independent panel of 32 judges including leading chefs, food connoisseurs and master butchers will now blind-taste each entry on July 1. Judging under international rules begins with a 100-point scale and focuses on all-important attributes of aroma, texture, appearance, saltiness, sweetness and overall tastiness.
NZPork is proud to host the ninth annual event and NZPork Chair Ian Carter believes that this year the competition is even fiercer to claim the top awards.
“It’s exciting to see the end results from skilled butchers applying their craft to a product our farmers have taken great pride in producing,” said Carter.
The awards presentation will be held on July 25 in Christchurch.
