Alliance Group’s Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef has gained international recognition, earning top honours at the prestigious World Steak Challenge in the Netherlands.

The company was awarded one gold medal and two silver medals by a panel of more than 80 independent expert judges, who assessed over 500 entries from 25 countries during two rigorous days of judging.

Alliance’s gold medal was awarded for a Ribeye (Cube Roll) with a marble score of 8, while Ribeye and Fillet steaks also earned silver medals.

The medal-winning entries were processed at the company’s Mataura plant in Southland.

Wayne Rollinson, global sales director beef at Alliance Group, said the recognition highlights the strength of the company’s premium beef programme.

“Winning gold and silver at this highly respected global competition reinforces Alliance’s focus on excellence and innovation in beef production.

“It’s also a reflection of the skill and dedication of our farmer-shareholders, whose livestock underpins the Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef range.

“We are building a strong reputation in international markets for delivering consistently outstanding eating experiences, and these results provide further proof of the world-class quality of our product.”

Pure South Handpicked 55 Day Aged Beef is carefully selected by internationally-accredited assessors from prime cattle of any breed. Only a fraction of the very finest beef makes the grade and it is in demand by customers across the world.

The selection is based on quantifiable meat quality characteristics including marbling, fat colour and pH. Selected cuts are then aged in vacuum bags.

The quality of product and the aging process results in a milder beef profile with exceptional levels of tenderness.