A Timaru man’s hand-crafted bacon has bagged a bronze award at the 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards.
Former Auckland butcher Johnny Williams relocated to Timaru with his family last year and since November has been a staple at the weekly Timaru Artisan Farmers Market.
Operating a stall as Bluestone Meats, Mr Williams primarily makes and sells artisan hand-crafted bacon and sausages.
At the recent 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards, he received a bronze award for his dry cured streaky bacon, scoring the product among the top in its category nationwide.
Mr Williams said it was the only product he entered into the competition and was stoked to have received an award for it.
‘‘It’s pretty good for my first year as Bluestone Meats. I’m pretty blown away. I didn’t think I’d do that well, being a little guy in a big competition.
‘‘You’ve got the best in the country entering these competitions and I managed to do pretty good, so I’m happy.’’
It was not until he attended the awards night in Auckland last week that he knew exactly what he was receiving.
‘‘They gave me a call informing that I’ve won an award, but they wouldn’t disclose what it was until on the night.
‘‘I went up for the awards dinner, had a nice three course meal and all the big players were there.
‘‘Once it got to my category they announced my name and I’m the furthest south winner, no-one further south won an award.’’
Mr Williams said he enjoyed being a regular fixture at the farmers market.
‘‘I’m still sort of working remotely for my company up in Auckland, so I enjoy running the little market stall on the weekends.
‘‘I mostly make products that I used to make up in Auckland.
‘‘I’ve got like a strong customer base now and I’ve got a lot of retailers that come see me every weekend.
‘‘At the moment, I’m only just doing the second weekend during winter because it’s a bit quieter and colder and not as many people come out.’’
He hoped to continue growing Bluestone Meats.
‘‘I’ve recently launched an online website so people can buy from me throughout the week, any day of the week.
‘‘Hopefully that sort of grows and maybe I’ll potentially even open my own store at one point, but I’m not 100% sure on that one.’’
Mr Williams said he would likely be down at the market this Saturday for anyone who wanted to buy the now award-winning bacon.
