Successful Winter Barbecue!

On 27 January our sponsor company Jan Zandbergen WWQM took us on a ‘trip’ to Australia…together with over 170 attendees, we relished the wonderfully tender meat provided by Jan Zandbergen.

Happy Australia Day!

This year’s OSV-YFM Winter Barbecue had an Australian flavour as we celebrated Australia Day, albeit one day too late. Australia Day is held on 26 January. It’s the official National Day of Australian, comparable with King’s Day in the Netherlands. It marks the anniversary of the arrival in Australia of the first fleet of British ships, captained by the Englishman Arthur Philip, in 1788. ‘1788’ is also the name of the brand developed by Jan Zandbergen for its premium-quality Australian grain-fed beef. And, fittingly, that extremely tasty beef was served during our barbecue on 27 January.

1788 conquers Europe

The 1788 cattle graze in the expansive meadows in the Australian state of New South Wales. The animals are then fed grain in ‘feedlots’ for at least 120 days before they are slaughtered. This special feeding pattern ensures optimal marbling in the meat, which contributes to the superior tenderness and rich flavour. The 1788 brand has been on the market for over four years, and the brand and its meat has already conquered the whole of Europe; it is sold by supermarkets and wholesalers across the continent, from Spain and Greece all the way up to Sweden.

Platinum concept

Around two years ago, an additional 1788 concept was introduced: 1788 Platinum. Black Angus is the ideal breed if you are looking for beef with fullness of flavour, so only Black Angus cattle are selected for the 1788 Platinum line. The animals also receive the special feed mix for 80 days longer. The extension of the grain-fed period from 120 to 200 days further enhances the marbling, which results in truly sublime meat.

World Steak Challenge 2015

The first edition of the World Steak Challenge was held in London, UK, in October 2015. Farmers, beef producers and wholesalers from all over the world took part in this international competition. Out of the 70 steaks that were entered, 17 were awarded a silver medal and 11 received a gold medal – and the 1788 Platinum meat was among the gold-medal winners. This ‘gold standard’ qualification proves that Jan Zandbergen BV not only strives to be the best, but also actually delivers high-quality and flavoursome meat.
Australian beef is rapidly gaining in popularity with good reason; it is truly sumptuous meat that turns any meal into a feast.

The 80 photos taken during the event are evidence of what a great occasion it was. Check them out in the online photo archive.