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PKW BEEF GETS GOLD AWARD
A Wagyu steak from an animal born and raised on Parininihi ki Waitotara whenua under the gaze of Maunga Taranaki, has been judged as one of the best in the world.
The gold award accolade, received at the World Steak Challenge in July, was the first time a New Zealand company had won an award at the competition, which drew entries from 22 countries covering 35 breeds. The competition has run since 2014.
“It is the first time any of our beef, raised on our green pastures under Maunga Taranaki, has won an award so we are proud of that,” says Shane Miles, PKW’s General Manager of Ahuwhenua. “We’re also proud of our on-farm kaimahi, as this reinforces the work they are doing to care for the animals, the environment and quality of the product we supply.”
The competition is designed to benchmark the quality of beef production across international suppliers, establishing a quality mark of excellence.
PKW’s Wagyu beef is sent to First Light Foods, which exports and markets the product overseas.
PKW and First Light entered into their business relationship five years ago, driven by common principles over farming practices and shareholder values.
“Maximising profitability of the farming business is a key focus, but we do this in line with our kaitiaki responsibilities and our guiding principles of He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga - sustaining and growing our people through prosperity,” says Shane.
Prior to being served on the fine dining plates of some of the world’s best restaurants, sold in exclusive stores, and judged worthy of the gold medal, the whakapapa of the Wagyu animal began at PKW’s Farm 29 at Mawhitiwhiti Road in Normandy run by Jon Smyth.
From there, the animal was taken down the road to Farm One at Little Tempsky Road (the Calf Rearing Unit) run by Nigel Bright, before going to be finished at Farm 33 at Kupara Road in Ratapiko run by Geoff Robertson.
First Light director Jason Ross said to have a New Zealand beef product recognised internationally was tremendous.
“Grass-fed Wagyu is the king of beef and that’s something we are proud to share in the success of with PKW and their farmers.”
Overseas, a Wagyu steak can sell for between $200 to $500 New Zealand dollars.
