Congratulations to Halenda’s Fine Foods, who have won the top award in the Ontario Finest Meat Competition for the third consecutive time!
The 2015 Ontario Finest Meat Competition, hosted by the Ontario Independent Meat Processors, attracted 148 entries from 18 Ontario processors.
An impressive roster of knowledgeable judges, including retail buyers, media, chefs, authors and a home economist determined the award winners in 14 categories.
Halenda’s, a family-run business, is thrilled to have won the Ron Usborne Award of Excellence for the third time in a row, while also taking home 11 product awards (they are particularly excited about receiving #1 Kobassa in Ontario).
Eleven awards in total – the Traditional Ukrainian Smoked Bacon, Eco Black
Forest Ham, Ham Kobassa, and Koby Dogs, beat out all other competitors in
each of their categories with the Platinum award. Taking home Gold were
Peppercorn Peameal, Mishka Mini Dinner Ham, and Fiesta Garlic Smokie. Placing
Silver were BBQ Breakfast Bacon, Country Kobassa, Hunter Garlic Sausage, and
Jalapeño Sausage.
Halenda’s has shared their pride for these awards: “First, the Ham Kobassa award, because that’s the product we built our business on. We have won in that category, but this is the first time we’ve taken home the top award. We are also really proud of our Black Forest Ham award because there are a number of really fine producers across Ontario. It was also exciting to see our Koby Dogs recognized, as we provide those to the General Motors Centre food services.”
Winners for Platinum, Gold, and Silver were announced at a gala event held
in Niagara Falls on October 24.
Although a recent study from the World Health Organization has tied red and processed meats to cancer, meat protein is an important part of many people’s diets – while it has been acknowledged more research is needed, it has been suggested and highlighted to eat in moderation.