Tapanui butcher Vaughn Wesselson is pleased with the haul of medals the business picked up at the recent New Zealand Artisan Awards.
The Blue Mountain Butchery won eight silver medals for its pastramis, hot pork, cabanossi and salamis in the competition.
Mr Wesselson said it was the first time the butcher shop had entered the awards.
“We entered eight products and got eight silvers.
“I’m really proud.
“I’ve got a good team.”
It was very satisfying to be able to produce consistent products that won the judges’ approval, Mr Wesselson said.
He had a base recipe and then added ingredients depending on what product was being made.
“They are all our own creations.”
He worked as a farmer for about 15 years but had always made sausages and small goods.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to own a butchery.”
He bought the butcher shop in 2016 and trained on the job to become a qualified butcher.
“I started off with myself and one other person.”
Now the business employed three full-time and three parttime staff.
There were three parts to the business; retail, home kill and specialty products.
