Finnish grass and chocolate-fed Ayrshire sirloin crowned World’s Best Steak 2021

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JN Meat International has retained its World Steak Challenge Best Steak in the World title with a grass and chocolate-fed Ayrshire raised in Finland.

It is the third time the Danish producer has lifted the supreme world champion title at the annual event, having triumphed in 2018 and 2019.

The winners of the competition, which was held at Dublin’s FIRE Steakhouse & Bar in association with official host partner Bord Bia, and official supplier Synergy Grill Technology - were announced online today (10 November).

JN Meat international’s winning cut, from a 16-month-old heifer fed between 300-500 grams of chocolate daily, was praised by judges for its ‘very sweet and tender taste’.

The company also collected gongs in the World’s Best Sirloin and World’s Best Grass-Fed categories.

“This sirloin was unlike any you’ve tasted before,” says Ioannis Grammenos, chair of the 50-strong panel of independent judges, and executive chef at the Heliot Steak House in London.

“Unique and evenly distributed marbling throughout the meat meant it melted in your mouth but still retained some bite to it.

“Incredibly tender, juicy and flavoursome, this steaks’ delicious and long-lasting taste lingered in the mouth, making you want to eat more and more of it. A well-deserved and worthy winner.”

The WSC awards are organised by BigHospitality and Restaurant publisher William Reed Business Media.

Launched in 2015, the competition gives steak producers and suppliers the opportunity to showcase their product quality, breed credentials and processing standards on an international stage. 

Other champions named in the 2021 World Steak Challenge included Australia’s Jack’s Creek, which won World’s Best Fillet for its 100% pure-bred and grain-fed Wagyu, as well as World’s Best Rib-Eye and World’s Best Grain-Fed for its Wagyu/Angus cross.

“We were thrilled to once again hold the World Steak Challenge,” says Lorraine Hendle, managing director of the retail, manufacturing & hospitality portfolio at William Reed Business Media. 

“Not only did we receive a record number of entries but the calibre of steaks entered into this year’s event was absolutely exceptional and fiercely contested.

“We didn’t think it was possible for the bar to be raised any higher. We were wrong and can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store.”

For a full list of winners, click here.