Today, the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the World Cheese Awards,- reminds all cheesemakers of the fast-approaching closing date for this year’s highly anticipated awards; unveils further information about the World Cheese Market; and announces details of the Academy of Cheeses’ prestigious Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition.
World Cheese Awards: Call for final entries
The entry closing date is Friday 8th September. Spaces are filling up quickly, with cheese entries coming in online from over 40 countries around the world. Cheesemakers shouldn’t delay in submitting their entry forms, as the closing date will be brought forward if capacity is met.
This year will be the 35th edition of the World Cheese Awards, the largest ‘cheese-only’ event of its kind globally. The awards will be held at Trondheim Spektrum, Trondheim, Norway on Friday 27th October. Staging the cheeses will begin on 26 October and cheese tastings, tours and the accompanying World Cheese Market will take place across 27 – 28 October.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the competition, says:
“We’re already seeing entries coming in from all over the world and have recently spoken to cheesemakers in South America, Spain, Italy, UK and Norway about their submission as part of our programme of entry webinars to help even the smallest producer take part. We’re proud of our network of eighteen consolidated shipment points around the world, which enable cheeses from over 40 countries get to us with minimal cost to the producer.”
“Whether you’re a cheesemaker, cheese buyer, or cheese seller, join us in Trondheim, Norway at the World Cheese Market for an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in a huge variety of cheeses and connect with industry experts from across the globe. We are excited to be returning to Norway, this time to discover Trondheim’s food and drink culture, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty.”
Oste V-M Cheese Festival and World Cheese Market
As the World Cheese Awards judging unfolds, Trondheim Spektrum will also play host to the Oste V-M Cheese Festival and World Cheese Market across 27 and 28 October. Featuring cheese tastings, talks and activities for families, Oste V-M is open to cheese experts and cheese lovers alike. The World Cheese Market will take place around the judging arena, consisting of over 30 trade stands showcasing cheesemakers, affineurs and a range of cheese accessories, so visitors can take in all the action of the judging arena and witness the World Cheese Awards Super Jury decide the World Champion Cheese 2023. Attracting judges and visitors from 35+ countries across the world, the market provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other industry professionals. Cheesemakers and affineurs exhibiting at the market will include Isle of Mull Cheese, Godminster Vintage, Savencia Fromage & Dairy and The Fine Cheese Co.
For any trade wishing to attend Oste V-M and World Cheese Market, please visit: ostelandet.no/oste-vm-2023/ to purchase your tickets.
Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2023
Organised by the Academy of Cheese, the Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition will take place within the World Cheese Market this year in Norway. An innovative competition to find the brightest, freshest talent in the world of cheese retail. The competition has been established to celebrate rising talent, promote cheese knowledge, and provide career development opportunities to a younger generation within the industry.
Tracey Colley, director of the Academy of Cheese, comments “The Academy is delighted to continue its support to find the Young Cheesemonger of the Year. This esteemed award aligns with the Academy’s core values of promoting expertise and understanding within the industry. We intend young cheesemongers nurture their passion for this field through our accreditation programme in the years ahead. It is worth noting that past contenders have achieved remarkable success in the cheese industry, securing positions such as Senior Buyer, Head Cheesemaker and Cheese Grader.”
Open to all cheesemongers under the age of 30, the competition is free to enter with applicants being asked to provide a short biography and submit recommendations for their perfect cheeseboard under the value of £50. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend the World Cheese Awards in Norway and compete against their peers across four testing rounds. The rounds will comprise of delivery of the rationale behind their cheeseboard selection; demonstration of their “cut and wrap” skills; a cheese identification round using the SATC model, and the final round – MasterRind – a quiz about cheeses from around the world.
The winner of the award will be announced in the World Cheese Awards Oste-VM on Friday 27 October. Full details of this, along with the application form, can be found on the Academy of Cheese’s website: academyofcheese.org/young-cheesemonger-of-the-year/
As well as a bright future and the coveted title of Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2023, the winner will receive a trophy and will also be invited to judge at the World Cheese Awards 2024. International contestants are welcome, and all entries are to be submitted by Friday 15 September.
(Photo credits: Guild of Fine Food).
