Brindisa reveals UK’s first ham-carving champion

Spanish fine food expert Brindisa has announced the winner of the UK’s first ever Ibérico ham carving competition as Sergio Escudero Altea, a Manchester-based freelance carver and ham consultant.

The final provided a fantastic showcase of the five finalists’ creative and technical skills and a spectacle for the invited guests at the event.

Altea wins a cash prize of £500 and a trip to Extremadura, in western Spain, to visit the indigenous, acorn-fed Ibérico pigs of the Dehesa, as well as a ham carving trophy.

Altea commented: “It is a great triumph to win this competition. It is testament to the many years I’ve dedicated to perfecting my ham carving technique, which my father first taught me from the age of 12. Brindisa has provided a valuable platform for carvers to really demonstrate our flair for what is a truly iconic Spanish tradition.”

Monika Linton, chairman and product director at Brindisa, added: “Sergio is an immense talent, who wowed the judges with his extraordinary skills. We’re thrilled that so many people supported the event and we hope it evolves into an unmissable date in the foodie calendar.”

Click here to watch highlights from the evening competition