With the success of the 2025 World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) still fresh in everyone’s minds, it’s time to look ahead.
The WBC has firmly established itself as the global stage for butchery skill, teamwork, and innovation — and the next chapter is already taking shape.
One important change announced following the 2025 event is that the WBC will now move to a three-year competition cycle.
This gives nations more time to plan, train, and strengthen their teams while also creating a bigger window for host countries to prepare world-class events.
WBC has said that this change is about building sustainability and ensuring the WBC continues to deliver at the highest level — for competitors, for the industry, and for the global audience that follows the event.
Host nation selection process
The search for the next host country is now underway. The official Host Country Proposal Pack — which outlines eligibility, requirements, and submission details — will be released on Monday, May 19, 2025.
However, nations interested in putting themselves forward can register their expressions of interest now by contacting [email protected].
According to organisers, being a WBC host provides a chance to showcase your national butchery talent, industry capability, and cultural strengths on a global platform.
“It’s an opportunity to welcome the world’s best butchers, strengthen local industry connections, and inspire the next generation of talent,” WBC has stated.
Butchery
The World Butchers’ Challenge has said that the competition is not just about trophies but rather pushing the craft forward.
“It’s about celebrating skill, sharing innovation, raising professional standards, and promoting the value of butchery in today’s food culture,” it stated.
“Every country involved — whether as a team, a host, or a supporter — plays a part in building a stronger, more connected global butchery community.
“If your nation is ready to take that step, we encourage you to get in touch. The journey to 2028 starts now.”
2025 competition
A husband and wife duo from Co. Carlow took home the title of ‘best chicken product in the world’ for their ‘chicken Italiano’ dish at the World Butchers’ Challenge 2025 held earlier this year.
The competition itself is conducted over the course of three and a half hours, with competing teams given a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens, which they must then transform into a themed display of value-added products.
Independent judges then assess each team on technique, skill, workmanship, product innovation, overall finish, and presentation, before they champion an overall winning team and award respective titles for best in category for each meat.
Over 200 butchers representing 16 countries competed in this year’s competition, which took place in Paris, France, on March 30-31.
