This is the first time that the high profile event, which is open to all breeds of cattle and beef producers, has had a sponsor but according to European Angus Cattle Society Secretary, Harry McGaffin “the timing is perfect”.
“The European Angus Steak Tasting Competition, which now also includes burger and sausage categories, has grown to such an extent that event sponsorship was very much needed and we are absolutely delighted to welcome Devenish Nutrition on board,” said Harry.
The new sponsorship continues a working partnership which commenced in May of this year when Devenish Nutrition sponsored the European Angus classes at the Balmoral Show.
The Steak Tasting Competition, which attracts entries from all over the Province, will now be known as ‘the European Angus Steak Tasting Competition sponsored by Devenish Nutrition’.
Due to be held at CAFRE Loughry Campus in early 2014 the competition will once again seek to find the best steaks, beefburgers, beef sausages and gourmet beef sausages in Northern Ireland.
“The format remains the same with the staging of blind tastings for all entries,” continued Harry. “A guest judge will then select the overall Supreme Champion Steak from the finalists. A supreme champion beefburger, beef sausage and gourmet beef sausage will also be revealed along with category winners.”
The competition which culminates in a Gala Awards evening is held in two categories, Under 15 employees and Over 15 employees, with all types of steak given the taste test – Sirloin, Fillet and Rib-eye!
Competition sponsor, Devenish Nutrition, headquartered in Belfast but with two sites in the United States, Iowa and Minnesota, is dedicated to the research, development and manufacture of quality premixes, pre-starters, starters and concentrates along with speciality products for the intensive livestock sector.
Commenting on the sponsorship arrangement Simon Caughey of Devenish Nutrition said: “Devenish Nutrition are delighted to be supporting the European Angus Cattle Society again by sponsoring this great competition. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the great produce that comes out of Northern Ireland and we are proud to be part of that.”
“It complements research and development work we have done in recent years where we have delivered improved organoleptic characteristics in meat for our customers across different species which has been shown to enhance taste.”
The tastings will be held in February 2014 and the Gala Awards evening the following month. Dates will be confirmed early in the new year.
Further information on the event can be obtained by contacting European Angus Cattle Society Secretary, Harry McGaffin on 077 1558 4887.
Making the announcement at Salt Restaurant in Portadown are, from left, Simon Caughey, marketing, Devenish Nutrition, Gary Scott, competition chef and head chef at Salt Restaurant and Harry McGaffin, secretary of the European Angus Cattle Society.
Back to Press Releases