Team France Boucherie took home gold at the 2025 World Butchers’ Challenge after demonstrating their skills at the competition in Paris, France.
Officially hosted by Confédération Française de la Boucherie (CFBCT), the event saw France’s team of six master butchers demonstrate “unparalleled craftsmanship”, earning them the prestigious Friedr Dick Golden Knife Trophy at an awards ceremony held at the Paradis Latin in Paris. Germany secured silver, while Australia claimed bronze.
Head judge David Lishman of Great Britain praised the champions: “France delivered a flawless performance, demonstrating precision, teamwork, and innovation in every aspect of their work. Beyond their technical excellence, they showed true passion for the craft.”
With just over three hours on the clock, each team transformed a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb, and five chickens into a display of value-added cuts.
Individual awards
Beyond the main competition, several accolades were awarded to recognise outstanding craftsmanship and innovation in product development.
The winners of these awards were as follows:
- WBC Devro’s World’s Best Beef Sausage – USA, Beef Bulgogi
- WBC Devro’s World’s Best Pork Sausage – Germany, Ludwig’s Apple Onion Brats
- WBC Van Hessen’s World’s Best Gourmet Sausage – USA, Green Chilli Sausage
- WBC World’s Best Pork Product – Spain, Multicolour Skewers (Pinchos multicolour)
- WBC World’s Best Lamb Product – New Zealand, Lamb cutlets (Te Wha Nota Cutlets)
- WBC World’s Best Beef Product – Brazil, Meat Acordeon
- WBC World’s Best Poultry Product – Ireland, Chicken Italiano with pistachio, lemon pepper & Parmesan cheese
The All Star Team, composed of the top six butchers from across all competing nations, was also announced:
- Dirk Freyberger, Germany (Added Value) - Captain
- Brett Laws, Australia (Added Value)
- Gianni Giardina, Italy (Breaking/Boning)
- Godefroy Piaton, France (Trimming/Slicing)
- Katharina Bertl, Germany (Trimming/Slicing)
- Paolo Desbois, France (Displaying/Garnishing)
