Australia’s Butchers Poised for a Final Cut: World Butchers Challenge Team to Showcase Skills at MPEC25 Conference
The stage is set, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Australia’s Senior World Butchers Challenge team will unveil their final dress rehearsal at Australian Meat Industry Council’s (AMIC) Meat Processing and Exporters conference at Royal Pines resort. With Paris calling in March, this is the team’s last chance to sharpen their edge before taking on the world.
Sponsored by the red meat processing industry’s research and development body, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC), the Welcome Function is a front-row seat to the artistry and precision that defines the World Butchers Challenge. Team Australia, led by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) ambassador Luke Leyson, includes six senior butchers, each ready to bring their best to the global stage.
“We’re giving MPEC delegates a rare and privileged look at what we’ve got planned,” says team manager Shannon Walker. “So serious is the competition that we’re asking guests to hold back on social media filming—our competitors are watching.”
Running for 3.5 hours, the World Butchers Challenge tests more than just knife skills. Competitors are judged on communication, workplace safety, food handling, and overall presentation. When delegates arrive at the Welcome Party, the team will already be deep into their rehearsal, with broken-down carcasses transformed into culinary works of art.
And in an AMIC first, chicken has been granted a special exemption to join the MPEC25 grounds, ensuring the full spectrum of the competition—beef, lamb, pork, and chicken—is represented.
AMPC CEO Chris Taylor highlights the multifaceted appeal of the night:
“We are proud to sponsor this celebration of red meat, an industry that plays such an important role, particularly in rural and regional Australia.
“The Welcome Party combines the thrill of the World Butchers Challenge with the culinary excellence of Royal Pines chefs, who will be showcasing Australian meat across various food stations. Add to that the expert commentary from MLA’s Sam Burke, offering insight into the intricacies of the competition, and it’s a celebration of talent and craftsmanship. Guests can experience the drama of the butchers at work while savouring the best of Australian produce.”
Meat Processing and Export Conference (MPEC)
March 12-13, 2025
Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, QLD
More information: https://amic.org.au/mpec-2025/