Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Nolechek, Fox
----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 2/10/2016
Nolechek’s Meats (International Recognition - 2016)
Nolechek’s meats Awarded International Recognition
(Photo Folks in White Jackets by a table of meats)
Nolechek’s Meats participated in the inaugural U. S. leg of the IFFA Quality Competition for Sausage and ham, held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, January 11-15, 2016. The parent competition is held in conjunction with the IFFA Show in Frankfurt, Germany, which will take place in May.
The American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP) and the German Butchers’ Association (GBA) partnered to bring this competition to the U. S. Due to difficulty with German customs allowing products from American butchers into Frankfurt for the prestigious competition, which is held every three years.
The same judges that participate in the IFFA show in Frankfurt traveled to the U. S. and judged the product according to the same strict gold standard that the German Butchers’ Association has used since their inception in 1875.
Each product is judged against a standard rather than against another entrant’s product. It is very prestigious to earn a gold, silver, or bronze and to know that a product measure up to the internationally recognized standards set by the GBA.
Over 300 products from 35 American butchers, including eight from Wisconsin, were entered in this inaugural event. There products were graded on aroma, texture, and flavor, as well as color quality and absence of defects inside and out.
“It was a great test for Nolechek’s Meats to put their best-known products up against strict international standards,” commented Lindsey Fox of Nolechek’s Meats.
The local butcher shop’s 64-year old traditions, highest quality standards, and wholesome approach to their products paid off as they were recognized with four gold medals and one silver medal. All four of the gold medals achieved a perfect 50 points and included their Honey Cured Bacon, Semi-Boneless Ham, Garlic Flavored Polish Sausage, and Italian Salami with Wine. The silver medal was awarded for their Natural Casing Wieners.
While Nolechek’s has won countless awards over the years, they are very excited to now say they have been recognized internationally for their most popular items.
Along with the excitement of the results, Nolechek’s is very proud of the comment, “perfect product,” they received for their semi-boneless ham.
“It is a testament to the dedication of three generations of ownership and staff that never settles for anything less than perfection,” Fox added.
These awards from the German Butchers’ Association demonstrate the international competitiveness of Nolechek’s products and are a reminder of the high quality and diversity of product that Nolechek’s offers to their customers.
