WBC All Star Series: Meet Dirk Freyberger
As part of a new blog series, we’re profiling the exceptional butchers selected for the WBC All Star Team, a group of individuals recognised not only for their skill, but for the way they represent the values and future of the global trade. Each feature offers a personal insight into their journey, motivation, and hopes for the industry. To view the full team list click here.
We’re kicking off our new WBC All Star blog series with a name many of you will already know well: Dirk Freyberger, Captain of the Butcher Wolfpack Germany. A third-generation butcher, long-time competitor, and now the Captain of the WBC All Star Team, Dirk embodies what this team is all about: passion and perseverance.
For Dirk, this latest role isn’t just a title. It’s the fulfilment of a long-held ambition. “I already wanted to be on the All Star Team at the last WBC,” he shares, “but unfortunately I didn’t make it. This time it worked out. It’s a special honour to represent the community of the world’s best butchers as the WBC All Star Captain.”
Dirk’s journey into butchery started as early as it gets, growing up in the family butcher shop with his two brothers. Today, he and his brother run the business together, continuing a legacy while expanding its horizons. From leading one of the region’s largest barbecue schools to offering catering, party service, and meals on wheels, the business reflects Dirk’s belief that butchery, at its best, is anything but one-dimensional.
That love for variety and evolution carries through to how he sees the craft. “Our profession is one of the most diverse out there,” he says. “There are endless possibilities and opportunities for development. I soak up everything around me like a sponge, good experiences and bad. They all help me grow.”
It’s that curiosity and commitment to learning that Dirk believes sets a great butcher apart. Not technical perfection, not awards, just the willingness to keep moving. “A truly great butcher never stops learning. They adapt to the preferences and habits of their customers. There are no limits to their skills.”
But as much as Dirk believes in growth, he’s equally grounded in loyalty. One of the moments he’s proudest of isn’t a personal accolade, it’s that his team stuck with him, even after the pressure of the WBC. “After the stresses and strains of preparing, it’s normal for some to drop out. The fact that my team is still behind me after this WBC is one of the best moments of my career and makes me extremely proud.”
Looking forward, Dirk doesn’t mince words about what’s at stake. “The biggest opportunity we have is also our biggest challenge, young talent. Not just any young people, but those who have the aptitude and motivation to take over businesses. If we can’t attract them to the trade, many of us won’t be around in the next decade.”
His advice to the next generation? Don’t wait. “There has never been a better time for young butchers. Find a business where you feel comfortable. Learn it. And when the time is right, take it over.”
Dirk Freyberger is someone who leads by doing. His story is one of family, fierce commitment, and a deep belief in the potential of the trade. As All Star Captain, he’s laying the foundation for those coming next.
Follow Dirk on Instagram.
This is the first of our WBC All Star Team features, spotlighting the people who continue to shape and elevate butchery on the global stage. Keep an eye out for more over the coming weeks.