Alliance Group’s Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has been judged the best grass-fed steak and ribeye steak in the world.

The award was presented to the farmer-owned cooperative at the World Steak Challenge awards ceremony held recently (13 Nov) in London.

Founded in Southland in 1948, the red meat processing and marketing company now boosts seven plants across New Zealand and exports to 65 countries.

Alliance Group General Manager Sales and Marketing, Shane Kingston, said the award was a globally credible and recognised accolade.

He said be judged the best of all the ribeye and grass-fed steak gold medal winners globally is just outstanding.

“It’s the pinnacle of achievement for an end-to-end beef system and reflects the commitment to the highest standards, at every level, of our farmers, our people and our processes."

Pure South Handpicked is an aged craft meat, vacuum bagged for up to 55 days.

This gave it a robust, zesty, buttery, and creamy flavour that gives it a deeply satisfying savoury presence, along with caramelisation of marbling, which builds on the flavour.

The winning ribeye, from prime cattle of any breed, was selected from the company's Pukeuri plant in Oamaru.