Bacon lovers and pulled pork enthusiasts now know where to get the best piggy products in the country after the ninth annual New Zealand Pork, Bacon & Ham Awards on Monday night.
The top honours have been awarded to butcheries in Coromandel, Akaroa and Dunedin.
There were 210 entries from nearly 50 butchers nationwide in this year's competition, which celebrates New Zealand's best home-grown pork products that have the sustainable PigCare accreditation.
The awards celebrate New Zealand Pork's farm to plate story, NZPork chair Ian Carter says.
"It is great to be able to feature the best of 100 percent New Zealand Pork, Bacon and Ham for the ninth year running," he said.
"As a farmer myself, seeing and tasting the exceptional small goods entered into the competition each year really highlights the wonderful story of New Zealand's pork industry."
An independent panel of 33 judges comprising of leading chefs, food connoisseurs and master butchers judged each entry.
Head judge Anita Sarginson says every year she looks forward to celebrating the craftsmanship of some of the country's best butchers.
"It's wonderful to see New Zealand pork showcased over all three competitions - it's obvious that there's some really hard, honest work that's gone into the winning entries," she said.
"I'm looking forward to buying and enjoying some of these top products and I encourage all Kiwis to do so too."
Brendan Foster outside his butchery in Akaroa (supplied)
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