BUTCHERS from across Hampshire gathered to compete in this year’s renewal of the Great Hampshire Sausage and Pie Competition.

The annual contest was organised by not-for-profit ood group Hampshire Fare to celebrate the county’s talented butchers.

The competition, held at the Holiday Inn in Winchester, attracted an impressive 201 entries from 38 butchers. Contestants entered their products into 13 categories, including Hampshire sausage, hot pie, traditional pork pie, black pudding, meatballs and faggots, charcuterie, young sausage maker, and speciality pork sausage.

Mill Farm Organic at Bentley took gold in the ready-meal category for its lamb tagine.

Entries were carefully examined and assessed by a panel of professional judges who followed strict national guidelines. The judges examined external and internal appearance, texture, structure, colour, smell and taste.

Winners in each category were presented with a bespoke trophy crafted through the collaboration of three Hampshire companies.

The title of supreme champion 2017 went to LJ Smith Butchers, whose Pip Smith said: “I am amazed by our win. Achieving this title reinforces our customers’ belief in what we do. It gives them confidence in our commitment to making the best products we can. We have been lucky enough to win this title before and it has helped bolster sales and also keep enthusiasm going in the shop.”

Gold, silver and bronze awards were presented to the most impressive entries with a champion chosen in each category.

Richard Brown, judge of the Hot Eating Pie category was impressed by the standard of the entries, saying: “We have judged some creative and interesting products today. The finish, baking and presentation have been very high.”

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “It is all about recognising and celebrating the talented butchers we have across Hampshire. Shopping at your local butcher’s shop is an opportunity to learn and try new things as service often comes with knowledge and experience. National Butchers’ Week takes place next month, we urge consumers to visit their nearest butcher and see what they have to offer. And if you already know a great butcher vote for them in our people’s choice award. Well done to everyone who entered today and thank you to all those who supported the event.”

Other supporters of the event included: Board ‘n’ Bread, Southampton Trophies, Jon Barrett-Danes Ceramics, Danebury Vineyard, New Forest Water and Upham Ales.

Consumers across Hampshire are being invited to vote for their favourite butcher in Hampshire Fare’s People’s Choice awards, which has opened for nominations, with a closing date of March 12. To vote, visit hampshirefare.co.uk.