The latest news about and from the Worshipful Company of Butchers

The new online format was created due to the restrictions on live events and co-hosted by celebrity magician and TV presenter, Ben Hanlin and publisher of Meat Management magazine, Liveryman Graham Yandell.

Several hundred products were entered earlier this year, with readers of the trade magazine also given the opportunity to vote in a variety of other categories.

Because of problems created by Covid-19, the Young Manager of the Year category and Britain’s Best Butchers Shop category took a gap year in 2020 and are scheduled to return in 2021. Otherwise the ceremony followed the established format and recognised excellence across 18 categories.

Liverymen enjoy awards success

The Worshipful Company of Butchers was a finalist for Best Trade Organisation, which was won by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS). The BMPA and IMTA were also shortlisted for this category.

Liveryman Norman Bagley received the coveted Excellence Award this year. Norman is the head of policy at AIMS and a respected champion for businesses in the red meat, poultry and game sectors.

Warden Gwyn Howells was also a finalist for the award, recognising his contribution to the industry which goes back to his time at the MLC and more recently for his work on the Court of the WCB.

Liveryman, Peter Allen was also celebrating as Aubrey Allen was named Best Catering Butcher.

The Food and Drink Training and Education Council collected the Training Scheme of the Year award for its Butchers Trailblazer Apprentice Scheme, which the WCB has been pleased to support financially.

The 2020 winners are:

• The Catering Butcher Award – Aubrey Allen Ltd.
• Best Trade Organisation – Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).
• Best Online Business – The Village Butchers: thevillagebutchers.co.uk
• Best Equipment/Machinery Supplier – Handtmann Ltd.
• Training Scheme of the Year – ftc Butchers Trailblazer Apprentice Scheme
• Supermarket/Multiple Meat Retailer of the Year – Marks & Spencer
• Britain’s Best Sausage – Tesco Finest 4 Pork, Red Leicester Cheese and Jalapeno Hot Dogs, by Walkers Deli & Sausage Co.
• Britain’s Best Burger – Asda Chilli Con Carne Beef Quarter Pounders, by ABP.
• Britain’s Best Meat Pie – Marks & Spencer MMMummy Meat Loaf, by Linden Foods.
• Best Bacon Product – Co-op Irresistible Smoked Back Bacon Rashers, by Pilgrim’s Pride Ltd (formerly Tulip Ltd).
• Best Free From Product – Waitrose & Partners 6 British Pork & Caramelised Red Onion Sausages, by Walkers Deli & Sausage Co.
• Best Poultry Product – Aldi Specially Selected Butter Basted Roast Chicken Breast, by Cranswick Convenience Foods.
• Best Beef Product – Marks & Spencer British Duke of Beef, by Linden Foods.
• Best Pork/Pigmeat Product – Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference British Pork Crackling Rib Roast Joint, by Cranswick Country Foods.
• Best Lamb Product – Lidl Birchwood Minted Lamb Kebabs, by Dunbia.
• Best Red Meat Product – Marks & Spencer British Duke of Beef, by Linden Foods.
• Manufacturer of the Year – Cranswick plc.
• The Meat Management Excellence Award – Norman Bagley, head of policy, Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.

A full background to the winners, plus details of the finalists and highly commended products can be found in the September edition of Meat Management and also in the online e-magazine, which can now be viewed online here.

Liveryman, Graham Yandell, publisher of Meat Management magazine, said: “Despite the challenges we faced in the run up these Awards, it’s great to be able to recognise the amazing people, products, companies and organisations that make up this wonderful industry.

“Although we were unable to hold a celebratory dinner as we have done in previous years, this online format, along with the fabulous performance from our guest host, Ben Hanlin, allowed us to continue to shine the brightest of lights across the industry."

Liveryman, Pam Brook, editor of Meat Management magazine, said: “Many congratulations to all our worthy winners, finalists and highly commended. In the most challenging of years, it’s great to be able to take the time to recognise some of the most important figures that help keep this country fed on a daily basis."