Monday, 31 March 2025 13:25

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

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size

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.

Featured

Federated Farmers Welcomes Pause on Waikato PC1 Rules

The Government has announced it will pause key parts of Waikato Plan Change 1 (PC1) in a decision that is set to give Waikato farmers a reprieve from new consenting and farm-planning requirements while the wider resource management system is overhauled.

Editorial: Time to Boost Organics

OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.

El Niño Warning: NZ Farmers Urged to Plan Fert Early

Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.

NZ Industry Craves Ag Graduates, Says Massey Professor

The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.

CNH Tech Chief on Autonomous Machinery, AI in Farming

While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.

NZ's Top Trade Negotiator Warns of Rising Protectionism

Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.