SIMON Howie butchers are a cut above the rest, according to judges at the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association’s Meat Skills Competition 2011.
That’s because three of the four butchers to make it through to the final of the fiercely-fought competition to find the most skilful butcher in Scotland are from the same business: Simon Howie.
Open to all Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association butchers, this year’s Meat Skills Competition involved two Federation judges visiting butcher shops throughout the length and breadth of Scotland and giving each entrant one hour to bone and prepare a piece of meat then display, label and ticket it.
The finalists were judged on: boning and preparation of meats; innovation of product presentation; product display; commitment and impression on judges.
Some 25 entrants were eventually whittled down to four finalists, including: 35 year-old Richard Megahy and 28 year-old Aaron Taylor from Simon Howie’s Perth High Street shop and 27 year-old Darren Brown from the butcher’s Auchterarder High Street shop.
Douglas Scott, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association, said: “This is the first time in the history of the competition that we’ve had three finalists from the one business.
“Simon Howie Foods has supported this event over a number of years and has already achieved a considerable amount of success within it.
“There’s obviously a history within the company of promoting the skills of its workforce which is evident in the success it has with its customers too.”
Gary Conacher, at Simon Howie Foods, based in Dunning, Perthshire, said: “For three of the four finalists to be Simon Howie butchers is really a remarkable achievement and suggests that their standard of butchery must really have stood out from much of the competition.
“Whilst the competition presents Aaron and Darren with their first opportunity to win a senior title, Richard has already won the title five times. We wish all finalists the best of luck in the final!”
The final of the Meat Skills Competition 2011 will be held at Dewars Centre, Perth on Sunday 8 May 2011 when all finalists will win £100 and, in addition to the title, the winner will walk away with £500 prize money.
ENDS
For further information please contact Simon Howie on tel 01764 684332
Issued on behalf of Simon Howie by Liquorice Media tel 0141 568 4018 www.liquorice-media.com
Date 4th April 2011
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