A BUTCHER brought home the bacon when he was named champion at a competition.
Roger Bowden, from Wych Bacon and Pork in Malpas, received the top award for all three bacons entered in the West Midlands leg of the BPEX Regional Roadshow and Product Evaluation Event for butchers.
In addition, his ‘Maple Smoked back Bacon’ went on to be named champion of the home cured bacon category.
The event saw 40 butchers submit 219 products for evaluation by the esteemed industry judges.
A delighted Mr Bowden said: “Our bacon has picked up gold awards previously but I’d always hoped for the category champion title too. Now we have it and it feels wonderful!
“Our success continues as we have also just been notified that the same three bacons have also been given gold awards in a dedicated competition as part of Bacon Connoisseurs Week.
“I’m particularly pleased that our ‘Honey and Applewood Smoked Back Bacon’ is already doing so well.
“We have only been making it for a matter of months, but knew from the feedback from customers who tried samples that we were on to a good thing.”
The former pig farmer added: “My farming background means I know what to look for when sourcing the best quality pork for the business.
“We only use locally sourced, outdoor bred pigs, which really is the best. We then add our magic touch to produce tender and tasty bacon and pork.”
Keith Fisher, BPEX butchery and product development manager, said: “There is a great deal of innovation taking place in the industry, with many new product ideas and meals sitting alongside traditional favourites. We must congratulate Wych Bacon and Pork on their success.”
Wych Bacon and Pork, who supply shops across the area including Overton, Tilston and Cholmondeley, attend Malpas Farmers Market in the Jubilee Hall on the third Saturday of every month.
