We recently picked up two ‘Diamond Awards’ at the Smithfield Star Awards, which were announced at Butchersโ 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 isย widely recognised as the meat tradeโs most high profile and challenging product evaluation.
Organised by the Q Guild of Butchers,ย the prestigious awards which have run for more than 30 years, recognise and reward the UKโs 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 โan excellent product, full of flavour, good texture and lightnessโ, beating five other finalists to secure the top spot. Both products received the coveted Diamond Awardย 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 yearโs Q Guild Young Butcher of the Year โ an awardย designed to recognise and reward the UKโs up and coming talent who represent the very future of the sector.
Gordon Wallace, Q Guild Manager said: โThe 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 helpingย raise standards across the board and driving product development in the craft butchery industry.โ
Jordan Shaw said: โIโm very honoured to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award especially amongst such talented competition. Iโve 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!โ
Stewart Collins, Senior Partner at S Collins & Son said: โThis is a fantastic achievement by the whole team and weโre very proud of everyone. Our black pudding is a 50 year old family recipe so is very special. Iโd also like to thank our loyal customers, without them we wouldnโt have a business!โ
