Double Gold for Hannan Meats in World Steak Challenge
Two of the nine gold medals in the prestigious World Steak Challenge 2016 were won by Hannan Meats of Northern Ireland for its premium quality beef. Hannan Meats also collected a bronze medal in the annual challenge, one of the global industry’s most important and influential events.
Based at Moira in county Down, Hannan Meats, a business founded and owned by Peter Hannan, was awarded gold for: Aberdeen Angus beef from a grass-fed animal and dry-aged for a minimum of 28 days in the world’s biggest Himalayan Salt Chamber; and Glenarm Shorthorn Beef also from a grass-fed animal and dry-aged in a Himalayan Salt Chamber for a minimum of 42 days.
The Northern Ireland producer also gained a bronze medal for its Shorthorn Beef from a grass-fed animal and aged for a minimum of 28 days.
Hannan’s steaks were among 83 entries from meat processors in 17 different countries worldwide. The Northern Ireland company was the only entrant to win two golds. It was also the only gold winner from the island of Ireland.
The World Steak Challenge medals follow the Northern Ireland company’s outstanding success in the recent UK Great Taste Awards, which saw it win the Supreme Champion Award – for the second time – for its Glenarm Shorthorn Four Rib Roast.
Hannan Meats is the only company to have won the Supreme Champion title twice. The Northern Ireland processor gained a record number of gold awards in the competition.
Other gold winners came from Australia, Poland, Scotland, Wales.
Commenting on the gold awards, Peter Hannan say: “The awards are a tremendous endorsement of the quality, texture, appearance and outstanding taste of our steaks by the global industry. We are delighted to have won two gold stars in what is a hugely important and influential competition.” Medals were awarded on the basis of appearance, quality, taste and tenderness.
Rod Addy, editor of GlobalMeatNews, says: “The high quality of entries this year is a testament to the hard work put in by producers around the world.”
A judge, Jeff Wood, formerly of the University of Bristol, adds: “The competition was stiff this year. This was my second year judging the World Steak Challenge and the standard was as high this year. All the steaks were tender and tasted great, making it a tough competition to judge.”
The World Steak Challenge is an initiative by William Reed, the international trade publisher and event organiser, to find and showcase the world’s best steaks.
The challenge provides a platform for countries and steaks producers to benchmark their steak production against international competitors and use the publicity and recognition that it generates to promote their exports on the world stage, plus drive sales in home markets.
It also provides an opportunity to engage with consumers to celebrate the joy and benefits of eating steak as part of a healthy balanced diet and highlight the quality and standards of steak production around the globe.
The World Steak Challenge recognises Gold, Silver and Bronze Standard Steak production across the board for individual products.
