2 Sisters’ suppliers win red meat awards

Winners included AL Jones from Builth Wells, Powys – who won £1,000 – and the Lewis brothers from Abergavenny, Monmouthshire – who won £400.

The annual competition, run by 2 Sisters, Tesco and red meat promotional body Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC) was designed to highlight the farmers that produced high quality meat, said Tesco.

2 Sisters Red Meat procurement director John Dracup said: “It’s been another great year of top quality beef and lamb. I’d like to thank all our loyal producers for their commitment, praise our finalist and congratulate Mr Jones and the Lewis brothers for winning their respective classes.”​

‘Loyal producers’​

“All the prize money has been generously donated by Tesco, further demonstrating their commitment to quality beef and lamb. I’d also like to thank HCC for their continued support and for hosting this exciting event.”​

Jones was awarded the prize for his Aberdeen Angus cross steer, that weighed just under 330kg. One judge said they would be “delighted to eat that steak in a top class Welsh restaurant, let alone buy it from Tesco”.​

Meanwhile, the Lewis brothers won the lamb rack award for the second year running. Both sets of winners received a 2017 HCC competition bowl, a bottle of Tesco’s Finest champagne and the cash prize.

‘High quality supply’​

Tesco agriculture manager Hannah Donegan said: “This is a great event that showcases the high quality of beef and lamb that we supply our valued customers week in, week out.​

“It is also a fantastic opportunity to recognise those farmers that produce what the market wants – a high quality, great tasting product.”​

The judging panel included represenatives from Tesco, HCC, National Farmers Union Cymru, Farmers’ Union of Wales, and Masterchef 2017 contestant Imran Nathoo.

Earlier this week, 2 Sisters revealed it was investing £1.4M​ in the Merthyr Tydfil site. The cash injection at its St Merryn meat plant would secure 700 jobs, it said.