The Guild of Fine Food is accepting entries from13th June to 16th September
The World Cheese Awards are back for the 36th year and will be taking place in Viseu, Portugal from 14th-17th November. Recognised internationally and the largest ‘cheese-only’ event of its kind, the World Cheese Awards is the most influential accreditation scheme in the cheese industry.
Entry for this year’s awards will open on Thursday 13th June, and continues until Monday16th September, or until the entry cap is reached. To secure a place in this year’s competition please visit gff.co.uk/worldcheese.
Each entry to the awards is assessed on its own merit by a panel of over 250 technical experts, graders, buyers, retailers and food writers to be in with a chance of winning a bronze, silver or gold medal. Those considered exceptional enough will go through to the next round, a chance to win ‘super-gold’ and at the end of the competition, one cheese will be crowned Supreme Champion – the best cheese in the world.
Last year’s event in Trondheim, Norway, saw a record breaking 4,502 cheeses arrive from 40 countries around the world. The Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the World Cheese Awards, go to great lengths to ensure that entering is as inclusive as possible by setting up consolidation points internationally, with controlled storage and transportation to the judging venue. Cheeses from all producers anywhere in the world are welcome to take part.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the competition, says: “We’re excited to be taking the World Cheese Awards to a new host country and region, delivering the event with the city of Viseu on the 36th edition of the awards.”
“Located in the heart of the Dão wine region, Viseu has a rich food and drink culture making it a fitting location for Portugal’s inaugural World Cheese Awards. The event brings together the global cheese trade and is unique in promoting international relations in the dairy industry. It will, once again, bring together the most important international cheese experts and the world’s best cheeses.”
Bruno Filipe Costa, speciality food expert and the inspiration behind bringing the project to Portugal, added: “Viseu is the capital city of the Beira region, a region with a strong cheese heritage. Located in the heart of Portugal the region has an enviable food and drink culture combining tradition and excellence. The terroir and cheese making history here is illustrated by our most famous cheese, Queijo Serra da Estrela, a raw sheep’s milk cheese, coagulated with thistle rennet.”
Gastronomic journalist, Paulo Salvador, who is involved in the team bringing the World Cheese Awards to Portugal, comments: “We are looking forward to welcoming the international cheese community to Viseu. Portugal and the Serra da Estrela region hides genuine culinary gems that will surprise producers, traders, and cheese lovers.”
The 2024 World Cheese Awards sponsors include: The Fine Cheese Co., Le Gruyère AOP, MENY, Parmigiano Reggiano, Hâute Fromagerie, USA Cheese Guild, Bertsch Foodtec GmbH, Kalt Maschinenebau AG, Snowdonia Cheese Company, Intercheese AG.
AGRI Expo, Atalanta, Forever Cheese, Hortans Delicatessen Supplies, Japanese Cheese Council, Lacteo Network, Rowcliffe, Rupp AG, Specialist Cheesemakers Association.
The Awards are also supported by: Academy of Cheese, Ardis Group, Good Cheese magazine, Peter Green Chilled, The Pangbourne Cheese Shop.
2024 Entry Prices
Company turnover: less than £1m | £56 per product (+VAT)
Company turnover: £1m – £5m | £67 per product (+VAT)
Company turnover: more than £5m | £88 per product (+VAT)