Monday, 31 March 2025 13:25

World Butchers' Challenge captains go head-to-head before competition

Written by  Staff Reporters
The team captains for the 2025 World Butchers' Challenge. The team captains for the 2025 World Butchers' Challenge.

Ahead of the World Butchers' Challenge, the captains of 14 nations’ teams squared off in Paris over the weekend.

In one pre-game clash, Germany’s reigning champions went head-to-head with host nation France in an arm wrestle between German captain Dirk Freyberger and French captain Ip Yan Fat.

The friendly rivalry set the tone for what promises to be a high-stakes competition, with Germany claiming the first unofficial victory of the weekend.

Ashley Gray, chief executive of the World Butchers’ Challenge says anticipation is at an all-time high and the energy in Paris is “electric”.

“Some teams are hungry for their first victory, others are determined to defend their title, and new nations are ready to make their mark,” Gray says. “We can’t wait to see the competition unfold and wish all the competitors the best of luck.”

Today, Paris will play host to 14 national teams for the ninth World Butchers’ Challenge at Paris Arena Sud 6, part of the Paris Expo Exhibition Centre.

The three-hour challenge will see each team demonstrate their carving, boning and finishing skills – underpinned by creative and cultural flair.

The winning team will be awarded the Friedr. Dick Golden Knife Trophy at a Gala dinner on Tuesday, 1 April in Paris.

The 2025 World Butchers’ Challenge is sponsored by Friedr. Dick, Devro, Van Hessen, and Anago.

More like this

Winners and losers

The main beneficiaries of the EU FTA will be kiwifruit, onions, honey, wine and seafood.

Full of it!

OPINION: Your old mate was told about some research that proves that what consumers claim and what they actually do are very different.

Featured

2027 NZ Dairy Industry Awards Open for Entries

Entries opened on Monday, 5 October 2026 for the 2027 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA), which organisers describe as the nation's biggest celebration of excellence in the dairy sector.

Ah Tatua, You've Done It Again!

Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.

India FTA Unites NZ First, Greens

National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.

2026-27 Fishing Season Opens Across New Zealand

New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.

CODC Rejects Plan to Spread Sludge on Lauder Farmland

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter