New Zealand’s top sausage for 2012 is a Smoked Kielbasa from Wellington’s legendary Island Bay and Strathmore Butcheries.

The 2012 Devro New Zealand Sausage Competition ran over three days last week, with the Supreme Award and People’s Choice Award winners being decided on Friday night.

From 450 sausages only one can reign supreme, however, and that went to the Smoked Kielbasa. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded a swell but only the best of the best made it to the Supreme judging round.

Don Andrew, owner of Island Bay and Strathmore Butcheries says he’s overwhelmed by the win. “More than anything I want to thank all our loyal customers for their support. To win this award is the ultimate prize in the craft of sausage making,” he said, encouraging butchers to keep on entering.

The People’s Choice Award was won by Franklin  Country Meats with a Smoked Paprika and Cheese Sausage.

The competition, which has been running since 1994, is proudly supported by Devro and Kerry Ingredients.