Mystery shoppers will be scouring the country’s butcheries and supermarkets this week selecting what could be ultimately named New Zealand’s best banger.
Entries for the 2011 Devro New Zealand Sausage Competition, run by Retail Meat New Zealand, will be secretly selected from the cabinet in preparation for judging, which will take place between 2-4 November at the Auckland Fish Market.
The competition, also sponsored by Kerry Ingredients, promises to be the biggest yet with record entries of more than 470.
“The competition is highly anticipated by butchers each year. Being named the Supreme Award winner can have significant impact on sales, so it’s a very serious business,” says Kim Doran of Retail Meat New Zealand.
The sausages have been entered into 12 categories incorporating every imaginable flavour from Lamb, Honey & Mint to Bacon & Banana, in categories ranging from Traditional to International to Gourmet.
The butchers will have their hopes set on gaining the highest mark in their category in order to move in to the Supreme Award judging.
The public are invited to taste and judge the twelve category winners for the People’s Choice Award from 1-2pm on 4 November at the Auckland Fish Market.