The World Butchers' Challenge, a former Trans-Tasman event, has expanded into Asia, making it the largest butchery event in the world.
The World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) has expanded its reach to five continents with new, participating nations confirmed from Asia and Europe, including Indonesia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Romania, and Spain.
First established in 2011 as a trans-Tasman rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, the WBC has since grown into a global event. In 2025, it will bring together 16 nations to compete across three separate competitions, taking place on Sunday, 30 March, and Monday, 31 March, in Paris, France.
World Butchers’ Challenge CEO, Ashley Gray emphasised the significance of the competition’s expansion.
“What started as a friendly showdown between New Zealand and Australia has grown into a true international competition that brings together some of the best butchers in the world. We are thrilled to welcome these new competitors to Paris next year, a city that truly celebrates culinary excellence,” said Gray.
“The WBC isn’t just about competition; it’s a celebration of butchery skills, connecting people from all over the world, and inspiring the next generation of butchers. With 16 nations in the mix, the next event is shaping up to be our most innovative, diverse and creative show of skills yet.”
Newcomers, the Czech Republic will showcase their top talent in the World Champion Butchers’ Apprentice competition, while Indonesia will field its best young talent in the Young Butcher event. Both events will take place on Sunday 30 March.
Competing in the headline World Butchers’ Challenge event on Monday, 31 March, are teams from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and the USA, along with newcomers Belgium, Romania, and Spain.
The World Champion Butcher Apprentice and Young Butcher competitions are two separate categories modelled on the same concept as the World Butchers’ Challenge. They are individual events that recognise and reward upcoming talent in the industry.
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