Taking place in Sacramento, California on 4-5 September 2020, the competition will see 16 teams battle it out to be crowned the best in the world.
Due to the addition of Wales to the competition, British Beefeaters will now be Team England although the members will remain the same.
Captain of Craft Team Butchery Wales, Peter Rushforth from Ernest W. Edge and Son, Handbridge, Chester, explained why the country is entering the competition. “The World Butchers’ Challenge has quickly become touted as the one to win. Like any professional, you want to be pushing yourself to get better and this competition offers butchers the chance to pit their skills against the best of the best.
Who's competing in 2020?
Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, England, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa, USA, Wales
“We’re a young team entering the competition for the first time however, we’ve been selected based on our performances across competitions here in Wales so there is plenty of experience amongst us. Make no mistake, we’re going there to win, just look at the Irish team last year who were first time entrants and ended up winning the title.”
Commenting on Wales' entry, the manager of Team England Steve Derrick told Global Meat News: “We are pleased to welcome Team Wales to the competition, who I am sure will put on a good show at the World Butchers' Challenge. Our joint entries go to show what great talent, pride and strength we have in the retail butchery industry on these islands.
"Team England are looking forward to the challenge and contest in Sacramento in 2020.”
Rod Slater, World Butchers’ Challenge founder and chairman of the organising committee, said: “We’re delighted the Craft Butchery Team Wales will be joining us in Sacramento next September. I am constantly amazed at the scale this competition has grown to – almost every continent will be represented next year.
“There is so much passion for the trade from across the world. To think how this competition has grown from a small conference room in Christchurch, New Zealand to an arena which is usually home to the Sacramento Kings and global music megastars is remarkable.”
What is the World Butchers' Challenge?
The 16 teams are tasked with slicing up a side of beef (half a carcass), a side of pork (half a carcass), a whole lamb and five chickens to produce a themed display of value-added products to battle out for the world champion crown and take home the Friedr. Dick Golden Knife Trophy.
A global panel of judges will then score each display based on strict criteria that includes; knife skills, hygiene, safety, consistency, time management, cookability & saleability as well as style, visual impact and innovation of the display.