UK Butchers Sharpen Skills for Paris Challenge

UK Butchers Train at East Sussex College for World Butchers’ Challenge in Paris

Some of the best butchers in the UK are honing their skills at Plumpton College in East Sussex, preparing for the prestigious World Butchers’ Challenge, often referred to as the “Olympics of Meat”. This international competition, set to take place in Paris in less than a month, challenges teams to create an impressive display of their craft within a three and a half hour timeframe.

The competition not only showcases the butchers’ expertise but also supports local communities, as all the meat used during the event, including dress rehearsals, is donated to local food banks. Organisers emphasise the significant quantity of meat being butchered during these practice sessions.

Team GB has been intensifying its training efforts at Plumpton College, aiming to secure a medal at the competition. Captain Ben Tindale expressed the team’s enthusiasm, stating, “For us, it’s a chance to promote our industry at the highest level, and to promote the UK and the UK meat industry to the world.”

Vice-captain Elsie Yardley echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique excitement of the event, saying there was “no buzz like it”. Plumpton College, renowned for its top-notch butchery facilities, has been the training ground for Team GB for over a year.

Principal Jeremy Kerswell shared his pride in hosting Team GB, noting the college’s substantial investment in its butchery facilities in recent years. “We’ve been so pleased to host Team GB because we’ve seen massive growth in our apprenticeship programmes over the last few years, and this provides such great inspiration for our students, showing them how in demand those skills are,” he said.

As the competition approaches, Team GB remains focused and determined, hoping to bring home a medal and elevate the UK’s meat industry on the global stage.

Original story: BBC News