We recently picked up two ‘Diamond Awards’ at the Smithfield Star Awards, which were announced at Butchers’ Hall in London earlier this month.
We were one of twelve artisan butchers from across the UK to be crowned top of their class, winning the coveted ‘Diamond Award’ for both our Black Pudding and Sirloin Steak products in what is widely recognised as the meat trade’s most high profile and challenging product evaluation.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers, the prestigious awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UK’s finest craft butchery products including Traditional Pork Sausage, Best Burgers, Gluten-Free Product, Best Bacon, BBQ Product and Black Pudding.
Products are evaluated using a 1, 2 and 3 star rating system by a panel of independent industry judges, with all 3 star products in each category then pitched against each for the category champion Diamond Award.
Our Sirloin Steak scooped the Steak category achieving full marks, while our Black Pudding was described by judges as ‘an excellent product, full of flavour, good texture and lightness’, beating five other finalists to secure the top spot. Both products received the coveted Diamond Award which were presented to the team by much-loved restaurateur and Michelin star chef Angela Hartnett OBE.
Jordan Shaw from S Collins & Son, aged 21, also made the final shortlist for this year’s Q Guild Young Butcher of the Year – an award designed to recognise and reward the UK’s up and coming talent who represent the very future of the sector.
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: “The standard of entries this year was higher than ever with a 20% increase in the number of products awarded three stars so winning two awards is no mean feat! We were delighted to present S Collins & Son with their awards which are a fantastic endorsement of their products while also helping raise standards across the board and driving product development in the craft butchery industry.”
Jordan Shaw said: “I’m very honoured to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award especially amongst such talented competition. I’ve been working for S Collins & Son for five years now and am only 21, so still have a few years left to try and win the award!”
Stewart Collins, Senior Partner at S Collins & Son said: “This is a fantastic achievement by the whole team and we’re very proud of everyone. Our black pudding is a 50 year old family recipe so is very special. I’d also like to thank our loyal customers, without them we wouldn’t have a business!”
