Roderick Frew, part of the team at Barr’s Butchers in Ballymena, has become one of less than 60 butchers throughout the UK to be awarded Institute of Meat (IoM) accredited Master Butcher status at their Annual Prize-giving event, held at Butchers Hall, London on 24 February.
The event, organised by the Institute of Meat (IoM) and The Worshipful Company of Butchers, has been running for almost 30 years.
Celebrating individual achievement in the meat and poultry industry, this years’ event also served as a means of thanking outstanding members of an industry that has worked relentlessly throughout the pandemic to serve local communities and the wider British public.
Roderick was presented with their award by HRH The Princess Royal, Past Master of The Worshipful Company and Fellow of the Institute of Meat. Presiding over the event was Keith Fisher (F.Inst.M), Chief Executive of the IoM and himself a fourth generation Master Butcher.
Commenting on their achievement Fisher said:
“Being granted Institute of Meat accredited Master Butcher status is one of the highest accolades a butcher can achieve.
“In almost three decades of the prize-giving we have accepted less than 60 applications for the Master Butcher award. The process of assessing an application is rigorous and in fact we only consider applications from the most experienced and skilful butchers.”