The Butchery industry gathered at Plumpton College for its annual showcase and awards ceremony, which placed a special focus on development and innovation.
The Plumpton Butchery Showcase and Meat Product Awards 2026 took place at the East Sussex college on 11th March. Providing an opportunity for those working and studying in the butchery sector to gather together to network and share ideas, the event included food innovation demonstrations, trade stands and exhibitors followed by the Plumpton College Meat Product Awards.
Innovation takes centre stage at industry demonstrations
Demonstrations at this year’s showcase, which was sponsored by RP Meats Ltd, came from Leonards Ingredients, IFI Ingredients, Raps, Verstegen and The Dalesman Group and had a focus on product development and innovation, giving an insight into what products are most popular and profitable.
Special guest Jean Delport, executive chef of Michelin-star restaurant Interlude, gave a demonstration to the assembled visitors sharing innovative ideas for preparing lamb, drawing on flavours from his native South Africa. Interlude has been awarded a Michelin Green Star, recognising its use of local and seasonal produce and sustainable practices, and Delport is known for his ethos of using every part of the animal in his cooking.
Recognition for excellence in butchery
Publisher of Meat Management magazine Graham Yandell MBE gave the evening’s keynote address, talking to the audience about the developments and changes he has observed in the sector during his time working within the meat industry. He also took the opportunity to re-present the Meat Management Meat Industry Awards trophy for Training Scheme of the Year to the college, which it won in 2025 for its Advance Butcher Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeships.
Plumpton College principal Jeremy Kerswell took the stage to announce the winners of the 2026 Meat Product awards, which were judged on the day by a team lead by the Institute of Meat’s Keith Fisher.
Recognised at this year’s ceremony was Uptons of Bassett, which won the Plumpton College Butchery Business of the Year sponsored by RP Meats Ltd. Owners Simon and Katarina Broadribb were presented with a trophy and also received a cheque for £500 from RP Meats Ltd.
Runner-up in this category was Horsham Butchery, with third place awarded to Paley Farm Shop of Cranbrook.
The Butchery Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Innovative Food Ingredients Ltd, went to Jack Button of Tablehurst Farm Shop, who was commended for his hard work and dedication.
Plumpton College marks 100 years of agricultural education
2026 marks Plumpton’s centenary year and the college is celebrating with a series of events planned to mark the milestone, starting with its Centenary Exhibition, from 28th March to 4th April, charting the history of the institution, which first welcomed students in 1926 and now has a cohort of more than 1,200 full-time students and several thousand part-time students attending its land-based courses.
