New World butcher wins big award
Foodstuffs
Posted: 15 September 2015
Alana Empson from New World Hillcrest has won the Alto Young
Butcher of the Year.
Last night, following months of refining her skills, she had two
hours to turn a beef rump, pork loin, size 20 chicken and a mystery
cut into a display of value-added cuts.
She was also assessed on her communication skills in an interview
and her knowledge of the trade in an exam.
Alana Empson says it is her dedication to pursuing her passion in
butchery that helped her win.
"I think if you really want something you'll do whatever you can
to get there, and for me it was practice. I did eight rehearsals
and practiced at work," she said.
Alana also said that being a female in a male-dominated industry
gives her a competitive edge in the competition.
"Girls tend to be more finicky and can spot finer details so I
think that will set me apart from the other competitors," she
said.
Something the judges reiterated. Head Judge of the Alto Young
Butcher, Matt Grimes, says the quality of butchers improves every
year.
"We found it hard to take points away from contestants. The
standard is impeccable, and I am blown away by the skill of our
young butchers," he said.
As well as winning Alto Young Butcher of the Year, Alana also
took out the new category this year, Best International Practical -
Young Butcher.
