ASDA beef farmers celebrate taste competition win

Steak tasting competition proves ASDA beef is top quality

Scottish beef farmers, the Watson Brothers are celebrating after winning a steak tasting competition organised by ASDA at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday 19 June.

James Watson collected £500 worth of ASDA vouchers and an engraved, cut glass decanter at the competition, which was judged by George McIvor, a past Chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.

More than twenty of ASDA's Scottish beef suppliers entered the initiative in the run up to the show at Ingliston and sent cattle into Anglo Beef Processors (ABP) Perth on the 5th June. Carcases were then matured for 28 days before final sirloins were prepared.

Of the steaks submitted, six were selected for the final and cooked in front of an audience of farmers invited to an exclusive drinks reception on the first day of the event. The cuts, from breeds including Limousin Cross, British Blue Cross and Charolais Cross, were rated for tenderness, juiciness and flavour.

Commenting Jim Viggars, meat buyer at ASDA said: "On the day of the competition, our esteemed judge applauded all of the Scottish beef farmers that entered our steak tasting challenge. Evaluating the meat, George said that all of the steaks were of restaurant quality and that he would be proud to serve any of them in his establishments. We have always known the quality of beef that our producers supply is of the highest possible standard - but this initiative and endorsement is testament to the fact."

Additional farmers acknowledged in ASDA's steak competition included The McIntyres from the AQF Partnership who came second and received £300 worth of ASDA vouchers, and S Ewart & Sons who came third and received £200 worth of vouchers.