Butchery promotes competitive culture
Specialist saleswoman Julia W. is participating in the German Crafts Championships and is showcasing her skills in Augsburg. Previously, the Nuremberg native won the Middle Franconia Chamber Competition, thus securing her place in the state competition. She narrowly missed winning.
The rules of the competition
Specialist salespeople can only qualify for the state competition by winning the chamber competition. There are six chambers in Bavaria: Munich and Upper Bavaria, Swabia, Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, and Upper/Lower and Middle Franconia. Julia W. successfully prevailed in this competition and traveled to Augsburg for the next round of the state competition.
The competition is divided into various categories, all of which are strictly scored. Participants must prepare and garnish a mixed ham , cheese , and roast platter, as well as prepare and present a main course with meat and ingredients. The competition also includes identifying and expertly preparing cuts of meat and sausages, as well as providing customer service and support.
There are strict guidelines for preparing platters and dishes. Among other things, the German Butchers' Association (DFV) defines the cutting and arranging of cold cuts, as well as the garnishing of the cold cuts . It also specifies the ingredients and tools required. The DFV also describes the preparation of the main meat course.
Winners come from Freyberger
Julia W. isn't the first participant in the Freyberger butcher shop's state competition. Alisa H., a former Freyberger butcher shop employee, also participated in the state competition in 2021 and even won. "It's important to us to support our employees . We support anyone who wants to showcase their craft with everything we have," explains Dirk Freyberger. This allowed the two sales assistants to train diligently. The butcher shop always provided the materials and space.
Freyberger's support extends beyond this competition. The winner of Butcher Wars Germany 2024 , Pascal Karatay, also comes from the Freyberger butcher shop. Furthermore, Freyberger also holds the current title of World Butcher Champion and is a two-time Bratwurst King . "It's always the people who define the craft, and these are the people who need to be encouraged," says the meat sommelier.
That's why continuing education is a major focus throughout the company. "Anyone who wants to can continue their education with our support," says Dirk. There are certainly opportunities in the butcher trade . The classic master craftsman title, sales manager, or specializations like meat sommelier are just a few examples of the broad spectrum. "The butcher industry has a future, but it's not a given. It's up to us, the butchers, to make tomorrow a reality, and we have to fight for it," Freyberger declares.