Independent butchers get creative at Foodex

Q Guild, the independent butchers’ trade body, will be taking over the main event arena at Foodex 2010 on March 23 to stage a major new competition which asks entrants to create a stunning meat display.

The Butchers Display Competition will involve eight teams of two people, one each from the regional areas of the Guild. More may be included if demand for entry is strong. Each team will be given the same cuts of meat, comprising a side of lamb, rump of beef and a leg and loin of pork, although the exact cuts have yet to be finalised, to create a display. Teams will be notified in advance of the cuts to be used.

They will be asked to showcase the craft skills and products of Q Guild butchers by mounting a display of the meats in identical refrigerated counters. All preparation must be done on the day and judges will look for appearance, skills utilised, methods used, presentation, imagination and commercial appeal, as well as wastage.

Each team will be given its own block and preparation tables, mixing bowls, slicers, mincers and weighing scales. But they may bring their own knives, props, marinades and garnishes. Time allowed will be 2 – 3 hours and judges will watch every stage of preparation.

"Our continued strong links with the meat industry are underlined by this new competition," commented Daren Rose-Neale, show manager for Foodex 2010.

"Q Guild represents the best independent butchers in Britain and Foodex is all about quality and innovation, so this is an ideal platform for the contest."

A spokesperson for Q Guild announced they will award a biennial trophy to the winning team and offer PR and photo opportunities to demonstrate the skills and imaginative ideas on offer from Britain’s independent butchers.

The Foodex arena will play host to several competitions, for meat and other food products, during the show. Full details are available on the show website, as well as information about the strong line up of co-located events.