The annual American Association of Meat Processors Convention and Supplier’s Exposition routinely brings together hundreds of small meat processors to learn about regulatory issues, consumer trends and processing advice. For many, it’s also an opportunity to put their cured meat products up against the very best in the country.
The American Cured Meat Championships featured more than 650 entries this year, from some of the most renowned small meat processors in the country. The competition was tough, as it always is. At the end of the judging, the Clarence Knebel Best of Show Award went to the Country Meat Shop of Moberly, Mo., for its round deli bacon in the Cured Specialty Meat Products category.