NEW ZEALAND’S BEST BACON AND HAM PRODUCTS CROWNED AT NATIONAL AWARDS

New Zealand’s best bacon and ham have officially been sizzled, sliced and crowned, with two standout butcheries taking home the top honours at this year's 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards. The Aussie Butcher in New Lynn, Auckland claimed the Supreme Bacon title for their middle bacon, while Sam’s Butchery in Silverdale earned bragging rights as Supreme Ham winner with their bone in ham.

Reuben Sharples from Aussie Butcher New Lynn says "I’m delighted. I’ve been chasing this for a while now, this is the one I really wanted to get. This win is a big team effort and I want to thank my whole team for working together. Our store is a family and we are very close. Next stop is the sausage one!"

Sam Nadason from Sam's Butchery says he is thrilled and humbled to win the Supreme Ham Award.

"It's a real team effort. I'm lucky to have such a skilled group of butchers working together to create our award-winning products. As I step back into my retirement years, I'm passing the reins to the team to carry on the tradition."

The judging process spanned three days and brought together a panel of experienced butchers and culinary experts. They carefully evaluated 233 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.

Culinary judge Greig Buckley of Kai Foods says the judging was incredibly close this year, with only a point or two separating the top entries, reflecting the very high standard of products across the board.

“The winning bacon stood out for its excellent appearance, skillful finishing of smoke and flavour, and an overall combination that delivered a rich, balanced, and highly satisfying mouthfeel and taste. The winning ham showcased outstanding craftsmanship, using quality raw ingredients that were brought together beautifully to create exceptional flavour and a product that would really resonate with consumers.

“At a time when consumers are seeking value for money, the competition helps shoppers take the guesswork out of choosing bacon and ham, highlighting quality products they can buy with confidence,” says Buckley.

Technical judge Todd Treadwell from Well Hung Butchery in Milford agrees the winning bacon and ham demonstrated all the qualities the judges were looking for - balance, great flavour, a satisfying mouthfeel - not too salty, moist, or dry.

“We’re looking for that perfect combination, and this year’s winners definitely delivered it,” says Treadwell. “It’s great to see such a high standard of products coming through. It shows how important this competition is in raising standards across the industry and reassuring consumers they are getting an amazing product made with 100% New Zealand pork.”

In the lead-up to the awards, Kiwi consumers had their say in the People’s Choice Award, voting online for their favourite bacon and ham retailer. With more than 5,300 votes cast nationwide, Pokeno Bacon was named the public’s favourite for their mouth-watering bacon and ham products.

Ben Clotworthy from Pokeno Bacon says "It means so much to get the support from our customers. It shows they really believe in our products, trust the quality of New Zealand-grown pork, and truly love what we do. The team at Pokeno Bacon are amazing and we're just so pleased to have taken home the People's Choice award for both bacon and ham."

At a time when value for money is front of mind for many Kiwi households, choosing New Zealand pork products that have been independently judged and awarded for their quality is an easy way to buy with confidence. New Zealand-grown and raised pork is an affordable and versatile option, whether you're making school lunches, cooking a weeknight dinner or entertaining family and friends. With award-winning bacon and ham available across the country, there has never been a better time to enjoy the exceptional quality and flavour of New Zealand pork.

Find the full list of medal winners and their store locations here.