Two Bay of Plenty butchers have taken home top honours at the 100% NZ Bacon and Ham Awards

Kiwi Fresh Meats in Tauranga won category champion for their KFM American Streaky Bacon and a bronze medal for their KFM American Dry Cure Streaky Bacon while Katikati Meat Masters took home a bronze medal for their Streaky Bacon

The judging process, which took place last month, spanned three days and brought together a panel of experienced butchers and culinary experts.

They carefully evaluated entries from across the country, all crafted using 100% New Zealand born and raised pork.

Products were judged across eight bacon and three ham categories, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded.

Each category’s top-scoring product earned the title of Category Champion – these champions then progressed to a final round of judging to determine the overall Supreme Bacon and Supreme Ham winners.

Sam’s Butchery in Silverdale was named Supreme Bacon winner for their naturally cured Maple Streaky Bacon, while Wild Game in Hastings took home the Supreme Ham Award for their Old School Pressed Ham.

Culinary judge Ginny Grant said the standard was exceptionally high this year, making for a very close competition.

“From an aesthetic point of view, the ham really had that ‘wow’ factor when it was presented to the judges.

“A pressed ham is more of a traditional style, and not only did it look amazing, but it was also incredibly moreish, with great depth of flavour and impressive balance.

“You could tell it had been made with a lot of care.”

The winning bacon also impressed the judging panel with its originality and standout character, culinary judge Kathy Paterson adding that the Supreme bacon was quite different this year.

Kiwi Fresh Meats in Tauranga won category champion for their KFM American Streaky Bacon and a bronze medal for their KFM American Dry Cure Streaky Bacon.

“We’ve chosen something that really stands out from what we’ve seen in the past. As soon as I brought it up to my nose and took in the aroma, I thought, ‘Wow, this smells amazing.’ It just made you want to start eating it straight away, and I think that’s always a good sign.”

Technical judge Brian Everton, of Cabernet Foods, highlighted the innovation and skill behind both winning products.

“What really made both Supreme Winners stand out this year was just how innovative they were. Both the ham and bacon were quite different, and you could tell a lot of thought had gone into making them unique. That creativity really helped elevate them.

Katikati Meat Masters took home a bronze medal for their Streaky Bacon.

“From a technical point of view, they’re not easy products to make either, so it’s clear the producers put a lot of care and attention into getting them just right, and it’s paid off.”

When it comes to making the most of your award-winning bacon and ham at home, try gently pan-frying bacon on medium heat to crisp it perfectly without overcooking. For ham, score the surface and glaze with honey or mustard before baking to enhance flavour and appearance.

Whether you’re creating a weekend brunch or preparing a holiday feast, New Zealand’s medal-winning bacon and ham producers have you covered.

-Contributed content