Australia wins World Steak Challenge 2016 for second year running

World Steak Challenge Winner Jack’s Creek, from Australia
World Steak Challenge Winner Jack’s Creek, from Australia

Australia has been announced as the world’s best steak producer at the World Steak Challenge.

Jack’s Creek, the family owned ranch in New South Wales, has taken the title for the second consecutive year.

Entries in the second World Steak Challenge were received from 17 countries, nine of them securing Gold medals.

The Gold medal winning countries are Australia (3 Golds), Northern Ireland (2), Poland (1), Scotland (2) and Wales (1).

The expert international judging panel shortlisted the 2016 champion and gold medal award winning steaks from a long list of 83 sirloins.

There are 12 silver medal winners and 12 bronze winners.

'All-round quality'

Chair of judges and butcher Keith Boxley said the winning steak picked up the top prize thanks to its all-round quality.

"Every gold medal winner was worthy of winning the top prize, but the overall winner was outstanding. It scored highly on appearance, quality, taste and tenderness."

He explained what consumers are looking for in terms of meat. "People are getting more selective about the meat they eat and they want something more prepared.

"As a butcher judging this competition, I'm looking for something that looks and tastes nice that has no gristle."

Rod Addy, editor of GlobalMeatNews, said: "The high quality of entries this year is a testament to the hard work put in by producers around the world.

"The fact we had so many more entries this year highlights the pride that they take in their product and the eagerness to win such an accolade.

"For a producer to retain the title of World’s Best Steak is an amazing achievement and shows a high level of consistency in production."

'A win for Australia'

Patrick Warmoll, managing director of Jack’s Creek, was overwhelmed to win the award for the second time.

"We spend a bit of more time selecting the entry and this win confirms that we’re the best in the world again.

"Winning last year was one of the biggest things to happen to us. Our brand awareness has just exploded since winning and it’s been great for business. This is as much a win for Australia as it is for us.

Frank Albers of Albers GMH which entered the steak into the competition said this win proved the producer had hit upon a winning formula. "We’re stunned and didn’t believe it would happen,” he said.

"It’s the perfect combination of genetics with the right amount of marbling. It’s the right concept for the best steak."

Albers added that this might put more pressure on them in the future.

"We may have to justify ourselves and the competition but once people taste our steak, they’ll understand. We’ll definitely be back next year."

'Tribute to farmers'

Technical judge Josh Anderson of Meat & Livestock Australia said the standard of entries was higher than last year.

"It was hard to increase the standard on last year but the producers have managed to do it.

"It's a tribute to the farmers the level of quality on display."

With Australia winning two years on the trot, Anderson said steak and the World Steak Challenge hit mainstream news.

"There is a desire for good beef and the World Steak Challenge showcases this."

Professor Jeff Wood, formerly of the University of Bristol, said 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 of the steaks were tender and tasted great, making it a tough competition to judge."