Registrations open for Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition

Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition is celebrating its 10^th anniversary. This milestone event by Meat & Poultry Ontario honours craftsmanship, innovation, and local food culture.

Franco Naccarato, executive director for Meat & Poultry Ontario, expressed his excitement and gratitude for this significant achievement, saying, “Over the past decade, Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition has become a symbol of excellence in the industry. It has been a privilege to witness the dedication and talent of our local butchers, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with them.”

A vital element in the success of the competition has been the unwavering support of Halenda’s Meats, Mississauga, Ont., as the host of the elimination round. Their commitment has made the competition an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike.

In 2023, Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition is set to embark on a new chapter. The elimination round has found a new home at Handtmann Canada in Waterloo, Ont. There are new competition rules such as competitors will now be tested on their core competencies. Veal has been added as a protein option in the elimination round, and the finale has been extended to 45 minutes, allowing butchers more time to showcase their creativity and expertise.

Registration for Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition is now open. The elimination round will take place on Monday, September 11, at Handtmann Canada, where competitors will showcase their technical knowledge and knife skills. The top three contenders will advance to the finals, which will be held on October 21 at the Meating Place Conference in Muskoka, Ont., in front of a live audience. The winner will be announced on October 21 at Meat & Poultry Ontario’s red carpet gala.