Akune Gold Wagyu sirloin crowned World’s Best Steak 2022
A first-time entry from Japanese producer Starzen Co., the winning steak came from an A4 grade, 30-month-old female and was a clear cut above the rest, also taking the World’s Best Sirloin and World’s Best Grain-Fed at last night's (28 September) awards ceremony that was held at the Mansion House in Dublin, Ireland.
The World Steak Challenge is organised by BigHospitality publisher William Reed. The competition gives steak producers and suppliers the opportunity to showcase their product quality, breed credentials and processing standards on an international stage.
Australian producer Jack’s Creek took The World’s Best Rib-Eye award this year for its 32-month-old pure bred Wagyu that was grain fed and praised by judges for being tender, juicy and full of buttery flavour.
The winning fillet steak was revealed as the MFC Carni female from Poland. Grain fed and obtained by a cross breed of Polish Holstein and Black Angus, the steak is well-known for its intense flavours, sweet aroma and unique tenderness.
A 30-day matured rib eye that's sold in M&S and comes from a full bred Dexter supplied by the Northern Ireland-based Linden Foods was named The Best Grass-Fed Steak in the world.
“We are thrilled to have a new winner for this year’s World Steak Challenge,” says Ed Bedington from the World Steak Challenge.
“It is very exciting to have our first Japanese entry and consequently the winner of World’s Best Steak.”
This year’s competition featured more entries than ever before from top steak producers and suppliers worldwide. Ireland took the most medals with a total of 54, followed by England with 36 and Finland with 28.
“The vast number of entries from across the globe truly showcases the quality of steak on an international scale,” adds Bedington.
Now in its eighth year, this year’s World Steak Challenge took place in conjunction with the official host partner, Bord Bia; equipment partner, Synergy Grill Technology; and judging partner, FIRE Steakhouse in Dublin, Ireland.
“We are proud to welcome all the producers from around the world here to Ireland, where grass-fed and sustainable farming practices is core to our beef industry,” says Mark Zieg, beef sector manager at Bord Bia.
“We export 90% of our beef to over 50 markets around the world, even as far as Japan and the USA so it is very important to get our origin known and be recognised on the basis of quality and taste.
“In an environment like the World Steak Challenge with top producers, chefs and judges we feel it is the ideal opportunity to share our values in producing top quality beef.”
For a full list of winners, click here.
