Cherise Redden from PAKn’SAVE Glen Innes has won the prestigious Pact Packaging Young Butcher of the Year title.
Cherise Redden is no stranger to success having taken out the ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice title in 2019, however, this crown clearly meant a lot to the South Auckland-based butcher.
“This means a huge amount to me. I have been committed to working hard and always putting in one hundred percent, and today, this is proof that I am as good as everyone says I am. I want to tell other young women to go for their dreams – you never know what you can achieve. If you want to do well, and if you’re passionate, you’ll succeed”.
Finalists were chosen throughout June and July following five tightly fought regional competitions in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, involving over 40 competitors. The six young butchers and six apprentices in the two categories went head-to-head in a spectacular battle of the butchers that saw knives flashing, bandsaws humming and mincers grinding.
Cherise Redden in action
The two-hour cutting test required competitors to keep their nerve and showcase their expertise in front of a team of eight judges.
Isaac Webster from New World Gardens, Dunedin was crowned ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year at the National Butchery Awards which took place today at the Vodafone Events Centre, in Auckland. No Egos Amigos took out the first ever teams’ challenge at the Pure South Master Butcher Teams Challenge.
Alongside industry and peer recognition, the winning Pact Packaging Young Butcher receives a coveted trophy plus the choice of either an all-expenses paid butchery study tour or a $4,000 cash prize. The ANZCO Foods Butcher Apprentice of the Year also receives a trophy plus the choice of either an all-expenses paid butchery study tour or a $3,000 cash prize. The butchery store they work for also receives a $1,000 cash prize.
