Butchers bring international award-winning smallgoods to Palmwoods
Montville newcomers Justin and Andrea Beard are making their mark in Palmwoods with their butcher shop that’s already racking up national and international awards.
The couple took over Palmwoods Butcher (We Meat Again) in August last year. They relocated from Taroom, near Roma, where they ran their own award-winning butcher – AJ’s Country Meats – for six years. “We won multiple awards for our smallgoods and were also named Queensland Butcher of the Year in 2023,” Andrea said.
That accolade sparked a search for new opportunities across Queensland—ending at their favourite holiday destination. “We saw the Palmwoods Butcher shop for sale, and it felt like fate considering Montville was our absolute favourite holiday spot which we visited every year,” Andrea said.
After the purchase, they closed the shop for a month of renovations and reopened in September 2024. Since then, they’ve gone from strength to strength, winning 31 charcuterie awards at the national AMIC awards and 14 international prizes in Germany for products including ham, bacon, beer sticks and salami.
“We’re easy-going, fun-loving country people who can actually work 12-hour days together without killing each other,” Andrea laughed. “Justin does the magic out the back and I’m the friendly smiling face out front.”
“But we couldn’t have had the success we’ve had without our staff,” said Justin. “From assisting out back, to packing all our smallgoods, to promoting it out front, these are all very important roles in our team.”
Andrea has joined the Blackall Range Lions Club, continuing a family tradition of community service. “I can remember going to Lions functions from when I was a little kid, as my Mum and Dad were passionate and active Lions members,” she said.
With growing demand and a strong team in place, the Beards are optimistic about the future. “It has been an amazing journey, and we are loving being here,” Andrea said.
National and international acclaim
The business has recently earned national and international acclaim for its smallgoods, including: 14 medals at the 2025 Global Charcuterie Awards; 31 National Charcuterie Awards in 2024; 13 National Charcuterie Awards in 2023 and Queensland Butcher Retailer of the Year 2023.
• www.ajscountrymeats.com | 4 Margaret St Palmwoods | Mon-Fri: 9am-5:30pm, Sat 9am-1pm | ajscountrymeats@gmail.com | 5445 9006
14 Global Awards from IFFA International Competition 2025
• Streaky Bacon, Gold
• Honey Garlic Kabana, Gold
• Plain Kabana, Gold
• Polish Plain Kabana, Gold
• Strasburg, Gold
• Smoked Salami, Gold
• Semi Boneless Leg Ham, Silver
A raft of medals from the IFFA International Competition.
• Snack Sticks, Silver
• Maple Infused Shortcut Bacon, Silver
• Gerkin & Cheese Beer Sticks, Silver
• Traditional Wood Smoked Bacon, Bronze
• Traditional Full Rash Bacon, Bronze
• Shortcut Bacon, Bronze
• Boneless Leg Ham, Bronze.
Bringing home the bacon: Justin and Andrea Beard, and awards, at the Charcuterie Awards and Smallgoods Summit.
Above: Justin, far left, and Andrea, far right, celebrate their latest international haul with staff.