The World Butchers’ Challenge, known by those in the industry as the ‘Olympics of Meat,' began from humble beginnings. The first iteration of the event was held at a Trans-Tasman industry conference designed to provide light entertainment and bragging rights to either Australia or New Zealand. However, it became apparent very quickly there was more to it, when at the very first ‘Test Match’ between the Kiwis and the Aussies, we witnessed one of the most skilful, intense and innovative displays of craftsmanship.

Butchers carved cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and chicken with a surgeon’s precision, only with nicer aprons. Competing against each other, to the chorus of a clock counting down from little more than three hours, the teams created products that pushed the boundaries of conventional cooking yet would still sell in a retail setting. Over the following years we introduced Great Britain and France to the event, but it was really in 2018 that the World Butchers’ Challenge became truly global, with 12 teams competing in Belfast for the title of the world’s best.

It was here that newcomers to the comp and now good friends, the ‘Butchers of America’ encouraged the team at Visit Sacramento to explore the opportunity of hosting the next World Butchers’ Challenge. With their strong focus around a ‘farm-to-fork’ philosophy and access to the world class Golden 1 Center arena (also home to the Sacramento Kings), we were absolutely honored to move the competition to the USA. While the original plan was to be there in 2020, COVID-19 delayed this and Sept. 2-4, 2022, are the dates we’re now counting down to.

With four new teams entering the competition (Canada, Iceland, Portugal and Wales) and the backdrop being one of the most impressive arenas in the States, we’re cranking up the intensity and scale once more.

Working on this event has been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least, as it’s grown beyond our wildest dreams. So, this is where I’m unashamedly putting a callout to the global meat sector. We have some incredible support from industry partners already, but we would love to see more. Not only will this help us deliver the best event possible, but the World Butchers’ Challenge also gives our international industry unique opportunities from various standpoints.

Firstly, the best butchers in the world are travelling with delegations for the event, and we’re expecting numerous meat industry heavyweights, foodies and media as well. Our audience is niche, targeted and very specific, yet not confined to Sacramento; we’ll be livestreaming across the globe and engaging in other ways socially. This is a chance to further a profile amongst butchery elite.

From a content perspective, this competition in all its facets provides a compelling, positive story for our sector, and we want as many of you as possible to take ownership of it, leveraging it to help deliver good new stories for the meat industry, across the world. This event is run by those who are in the industry and passionate about it. Our main aim is to spotlight the sector and the people within it.

Whether you’re interested in partnering with the WBC or simply coming along to watch, I strongly encourage you to get on board for this experience. I promise you that watching our teams of butchers from across the world enter the arena to fight for their country, through a profession to which they pledged their careers, will bring goosebumps to your arms. Seeing the sheer strength of the butchers as whole sides of beef are broken down in mere minutes will shock you. Witnessing the delicate flair and speed, as they plate up product after product, will leave you inspired. And this is just inside the arena. Outside, you’ll feel their endless passion and energy as you network and collaborate with the best in their field.

For more information on the WBC, visit worldbutcherschallenge.com. Please contact us at any point if you’re interested in partnering with us or to let us know you’ll be there so we can make sure we say hello. We’d love to hear from you or, better yet, see you in Sacramento!

Get ready for the best knife fight in the world

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