A SMALL family owned butchers in Boort has gained national recognition after winning first place in two categories at this year’s National Sausage King Competition, Best Butchers Burger and Smallgoods National Finals.
The industry awards, hosted by the Australian Meat Industry Council, showcased the best of the best, with competitors battling it out for top place in the nation’s ultimate sausage sizzle.
With the competition featuring 11 product divisions, judging covered beef, lamb, pork, poultry, continental and gourmet categories.
Jye and Kristy Arnold of Arnold Family Butchers said they were amazed to hear they had snagged two firsts, taking home top prize in the continental sausage and bacon rasher divisions.
“We were in shock for most of the night,” Ms Arnold said.
“It still really hasn’t sunk in.”
The win was no mean feat for the husband and wife duo, who have owned and operated the Boort business for the past six years.
With more than 30 regional and state competitions held throughout 2022, along with state finals, the Arnolds have proven they lead their flavoursome products.
“It’s a good effort considering it’s just the two of us here,” Ms Arnold said.
“We were up against some big competition.”
Ms Arnold said the win put Boort on the map as soon as they won the state award.
“We had people driving from Melbourne, Geelong and all across the state to try our products,” she said.
“It’s been hard to keep up with the demand.”
With two national awards now under their belt, the Arnolds don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon.
Their focus has now turned towards the future, and they look forward to once again fine-tuning their recipes as they head into the early stages of this year’s judging.
AMIC retail general manager Stuart Fuller congratulated the Arnolds on their win.
“Our independent local butchers are the fresh meat specialists, and the competition is about showcasing their creative ability and efforts to make a great tasting product for the public to buy, cook and enjoy,” Mr Fuller said.
“The competition is more than just producing a great product, it is about acknowledging and supporting local business, highlighting the role of the independent butchers in local communities, and showcasing their knowledge and experience.”
