Jared Walker with wife Amy, apprentice Mitch Matthews and butcher Russell Gleeson. Photo: Supplied.
Lockhart’s That Butcher Shop has outshone some of the world’s best meat merchants to win two gold medals at an international award show in Frankfurt, Germany.
Jared Walker and his team took out the top gong for his traditional bacon and chilli beer stix and a bronze medal for his Aussie hotdog at the 2025 IFFA DFV Quality International Competition.
“We entered the national smallgoods [processed meat] awards, where we won gold,” Mr Walker said, “so were invited to the international awards. The judges flew over from Germany and judged our products. The Germans invented smallgoods, so it’s special to win this being from a small town like Lockhart.”
Mr Walker said his bacon was made to perfection. Photo: Supplied.
It was a comeback story of sorts for Mr Walker, who left the industry to go into banking in his 20s and then bought the butchery at the worst possible time to run a small business.
“I bought the business in 2019 and nearly sold the business when COVID started. I wanted to go back to the bank as I was scared of what might happen to my family. Luckily, I had a great boss at the Commonwealth Bank who helped coach me through it and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I’m glad I hung in there,” he said.
The 33-year-old is thrilled that his team have been rewarded for their hard work.
“Our bacon is authentic; it’s artisan; we have an eye for detail. It’s traditionally made; we don’t make it on a commercial scale; every piece is touched by us and we make it perfect,” he said.
“Our butcher Russell Gleeson is known as the Charcuterie Godfather; he’s very particular about the ingredients he uses. It’s all done by hand and we’re able to control the critical control points in all aspects of the products.”
The team’s chilli beer stix. Photo: Supplied.
Australian Meat Industry Council General Manager Oliver Stankovski paid tribute to all those across the country who won awards.
“These accolades are more than just medals – they represent the countless hours perfecting recipes, refining techniques, and upholding traditions … It’s a reflection of the spirit of innovation and deep respect for quality running through every smallgoods business in Australia,” he said.
Mr Walker said he had grown his business through his online website and sold his product to many customers outside Lockhart.
“We offer free delivery for Wagga and all the areas in between,” he said.
The Butcher Shop is located at 102 Green St, Lockhart. They’re open from 7:30 am until 6 pm Monday to Friday, and from 8 am until 1 pm on Saturday. Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
