11:20am Saturday 27th February 2010
By Chris Harris
ALRESFORD butchers were among the winners as the cream of Hampshire's savoury treats came together under one roof.
Producers put their best sausages, pies and bacon on display at a countywide contest, which was organised by Hampshire Fare.
Quirkier snacks - such as faggots and black pudding - also featured at The Great Hampshire Sausage Competition, which was hosted at Sparsholt College, near Winchester.
Alresford's C E Evans & Son won the meatball and faggot gong while its counterpart on Broad Street, Sole Butchers, scooped the ready meal prize. L J Smith Family Butchers in Bishopstoke won the black pudding award.
Greenfield Pork Products in Andover dominated proceedings - winning the overall competition and four individual categories.
Tim Brock, of Hampshire Fare, said 30 county butchers had entered the competition, now in its 9th year.
He added: "This competition is important for Hampshire's livestock farmers because these local butchers are using their meat.
"It's also important for the high street - by using local butchers you can find out what meat is in the product and where it's come from."
Keith Redbourn, editor of the Hampshire Chronicle, said: "Being one of the judges in this competition gave me a fascinating - not least tasty - insight into the huge variety and range of meat products coming out of Hampshire.
"The high quality meat they produce is a testimony to our local independent retail butchers, and on the evidence here today, it's clear they're among the best this country has to offer."
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