WBC All Star Series: Meet Katharina

The WBC All Star Team recognises some of the most accomplished, respected and influential butchers from around the world.

For Katharina, being named to that group represents the fulfilment of a goal that began four years ago in Sacramento.

“It means absolutely everything to me,” she says.

“Being selected for the WBC All Star Team - by some of the most outstanding professionals in our industry worldwide - is an incredible honour.”

Her World Butchers’ Challenge journey began in 2022, but the ambition it sparked went much further than simply competing.

From Sacramento onwards, Katharina set herself the goal of reaching the very highest level of the profession. Now, after becoming part of the first German team to win the World Butchers’ Challenge, she has achieved another milestone - becoming the first woman recognised as a WBC All Star.

For Katharina, that recognition carries a message of its own.

“I hope I’ve also sent a message: that women in our profession can accomplish absolutely anything.”

“I was the first woman ever to become a world champion with her team - and now, the first to receive this incredible recognition. It still feels surreal.”

Finding the right path

Katharina’s journey into butchery began almost by accident.

At 15, the mother of a friend who owned a butcher shop convinced her to take on an internship. Katharina wasn’t particularly interested at first, but some encouragement from her own mother persuaded her to give it a chance.

“Just give it a try,” her mother told her.

She did - and everything changed.

“On day one, I knew: this feels right.”

What began as an internship quickly developed into something much more significant.

“When I commit to something, I give it my all,” she says. “That’s how butchery became more than just a job - it became my passion.”

By the age of 19, Katharina had become a certified master in sales. From there, she continued adding to her knowledge and qualifications, becoming a grill master, Cortadora and Fleischsommelière.

That desire to continue learning remains a defining part of her career.

“I’ve never stopped learning - and never stopped loving it.”

World champions

Ask Katharina about the proudest moment of her career and there is little hesitation.

Sacramento, 2022.

Representing Germany as part of the Butcher Wolfpack, Katharina knew the team was capable of something special.

“We knew we were good, as a team, as a pack - but we didn’t know just how good.”

As the final placings were announced, the anticipation continued building. With several outstanding teams still waiting to hear their names, Germany remained in contention.

Then came the words they had been waiting for.

“Team Germany - First Place!”

“I can barely remember walking to the stage,” Katharina recalls. “Tears of joy blurred everything.”

For her, the result represented far more than winning a competition.

“It wasn’t just a win - it was the reward for years of passion, hard work, and deep team spirit.”

A different challenge in Paris

Returning to the World Butchers’ Challenge as defending champions brought an entirely different experience.

The team had changed, including the addition of two new members, and finding the same rhythm required time.

Katharina also became ill immediately before the competition and was unable to participate in the team’s final rehearsal.

She entered the competition below full strength, but her confidence in those around her never wavered.

“Thankfully, the team was in top form and incredibly well prepared.”

There was also another significant milestone.

Germany became the first team in World Butchers’ Challenge history to feature three women in its main lineup.

With expectations high and the overall standard of competition continuing to rise, Katharina describes Paris as intense, inspiring and unforgettable.

“We supported each other every step of the way - and that made all the difference.”

Inspiration from around the world

For Katharina, one of the greatest benefits of international competition has been the people it has brought into her life.

Social media and events such as the WBC have opened the door to a global community of butchers who constantly challenge and inspire one another.

At the top of that list is her Butcher Wolfpack captain and fellow WBC All Star, Dirk Freyberger.

“The best team captain you could ask for,” she says.

“His energy, his passion, his dedication - he gave me back the love for butchery I had nearly lost before joining the Butcher Wolfpack.”

She also points to fellow All Stars Ben Tindale and Brett Laws as constant sources of inspiration.

“Just following Ben’s work is pure inspiration. And of course, Brett Laws - one glance at his Instagram feed and you feel his passion instantly.”

For Katharina, that network represents one of the strongest qualities of the modern profession.

“I’m beyond grateful to be part of this wonderful, global community.”

Bringing the craft back into the spotlight

Katharina is optimistic about where butchery can go next.

As consumers increasingly value craftsmanship, provenance, service and expertise, she believes there is an opportunity for butchers to present the profession in a new and positive way.

“The world is changing - and craft is finally being appreciated again. That’s our opportunity.”

Rather than becoming defensive about the industry, she believes butchers should invite people into it.

“We don’t need to defend what we do - we need to invite people to ask questions, to get involved.”

For Katharina, modern butchery is about much more than the product itself.

It is about great meat, great service, knowledge, personality and creating an experience people connect with.

“It’s about continuity and creativity. Lifestyle and love. That’s what people remember. That’s what inspires the next generation.”

That next generation, however, also represents one of the industry’s greatest challenges.

With competition for young workers increasing across almost every profession, Katharina believes butchery needs to clearly communicate why the craft still matters.

“We need to make sure that butchery doesn’t become a luxury.”

The opportunities for global collaboration and knowledge sharing have perhaps never been greater, but maintaining that momentum depends on attracting people who will carry the profession forward.

“Craft matters - and it will matter even more in the future. But it’s our job to communicate that, not just with facts, but with heart. With personality.”

“That’s how we protect and grow the future of our profession.”

Be real. Be you.

Her advice to those entering the trade reflects the same philosophy.

Believe in yourself. Be confident. Experiment. Learn from setbacks.

And importantly, enjoy it.

“Don’t take everything too seriously - you’re allowed to have fun! This is your stage.”

Katharina encourages young butchers to discover the part of the profession that genuinely excites them rather than simply following the path others expect.

“Try things. Explore. See what gives you a good feeling - not for others, but for yourself.”

“Be real. Be you. That’s where your strength lies.”

That also shapes her definition of what makes a true butcher.

For Katharina, it isn’t about fitting into one particular mould.

A great butcher is curious, open-minded and prepared to accept criticism. They experiment, keep developing their craft and eventually discover the part of the profession where they feel most confident and creative.

“In butchery, you get to be who you are - and aim to become the best version of yourself.”

And if there is one quality that ties everything together?

“Honestly, I think the magic word is happiness.”

Skill and ambition will always matter, but Katharina believes empathy, openness and enjoying the journey are just as important.

There will inevitably be moments when that enthusiasm fades. Her advice is to look for the smaller victories and rediscover what made the profession exciting in the first place.

“Find joy in the little things. Appreciate the small wins, and make sure to give yourself and others a good feeling. That energy is powerful.”

There is, however, one final ingredient for anyone planning to turn their passion into a business.

As Katharina puts it:

“Make sure your numbers work out - or nothing else will.” 😜