Auckland Westmere’s Butchery has won the highly coveted Supreme Award in the 2022 100 Percent New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards. A journey down the supply chain leads to Jim Mather’s farm near Foxton.
“We know it’s fantastic pork - because our pigs want for nothing. But you don’t usually get a lot of validation for your product as a farmer. We really appreciate that the winner made a point of making sure we knew it was one of ours - we’re absolutely delighted,” said Mather.
Jim Mather
The North Island farm employs five full-time staff that are critical to the comfort and welfare of the pigs and the quality of the pork.
“They are so hard-working and dedicated to the welfare of the animals, we have a great team who are very skilled and experienced at what they do. Winning the Supreme Award is a real feather in their caps.”
“It takes a team effort to create an award-winning ham, and one of the most important members of the team is the farmer who is producing the raw ingredients. From the care they take with their animals, to the quality of the end product that arrives in our shop – we are proud to support the New Zealand pig industry and showcase their product,” said Dave Rossiter, Owner of Westmere Butchery.
“Given the challenging few years most primary industries have been experiencing, we think Kiwis will agree there’s no better time to support local farmers– and what a fantastic example of local this is. It was produced with care in Foxton, processed by Cabernet Foods in Carterton and crafted into a truly delicious ham by an award-winning butchery in Auckland,” said Brent Kleiss, NZPork’s Chief Executive.
“Cabernet is proud to support local pig farmers like Jim Mather. Our meticulous processing methods and chill chain management ensure that the Mather’s farm pork arrives at Westmere Butchery in the best quality condition. We encourage Kiwis to purchase 100 percent New Zealand pork, which is a cut above the rest,” said Lyndon Everton, Chief Executive Officer of Cabernet Foods.
Westmere Butcher won the Supreme Award for Bone In Leg Ham and the Warkworth Butcher won the Supreme Award for Dry Cured Middle Bacon.
