Bacon competition heats up

News release                                                                                        

May 13, 2008

Bacon competition heats up

Hundreds of bacons are set to go head to head in the hunt for the country’s best bacon.

On May 23rd the inaugural Lesnies* 100% New Zealand Bacon competition will compare 231 bacons from 109 different bacon makers to find the top cuts across four categories.

And only one of the Gold medal winners in the Middle, Shoulder, Streaky and Danish categories will go on to be crowned the 100% New Zealand Bacon of the year.

The contest has been developed by New Zealand Pork to highlight the superior quality of New Zealand bacon.

Chief executive Sam McIvor says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the support for the inaugural competition from New Zealand bacon producers.

“It’s indicative of the fact that bacon producers care just as strongly about making outstanding New Zealand rashers as consumers do about eating them.”

“560,000kgs of imported bacon is produced every week in New Zealand.  We know people are tired of watery, tasteless bacon that shrinks in the pan,” Mr McIvor says.

Mr McIvor says the high number of entries shows that NZ butchers know they have a great product. He expects the competition judges will be impressed with the superior taste and texture of New Zealand bacon.

The Lesnies 100% New Zealand Bacon Competition is open only to bacons produced in New Zealand using New Zealand pork.  Judging takes place at Weltec School of Hospitality in Petone on May 23, with the winners announced on May 26.

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