World Cheese Awards: Call for final entries
The entry closing date is Tuesday 20 September. Spaces are being quickly filled, with cheese entries coming in online from over 40 countries across 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 34th edition of the World Cheese Awards, which is the largest 'cheese-only' event of its kind globally. The awards will be held at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICC Wales), Newport, Wednesday 2 November.
John Farrand, who is the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, the organisers of the competition, says: “We've seen some impressive entries already this year and look forward to those yet to come. With limited entry places, we're encouraging cheesemakers to get their submissions in as soon as possible to be part of this year's World Cheese Awards.
“For anyone involved in making, buying, or selling cheese, come and see us in Wales at the World Cheese Market and explore an array of exceptional cheeses and cheese people, from around the world. We look forward to having you join us and introducing the rich food and drink culture, history, and beauty of Wales.”
World Cheese Market: Trade visitors are welcome
The awards will also play host to the World Cheese Market on Tuesday 2 November. A total of 32 stalls surrounding the judging arena will be manned by cheesemakers, affineurs and a range of cheese accessories, so that trade visitors can take in the atmosphere of the judging spectacle whilst also enjoying a valuable day out from their business connecting with other industry professionals. Award-winning cheesemakers exhibiting at the market will include Cornish Cheese, Shepherds Purse Cheeses, Quesos Rey Silo, Quickes, Treur Kass and White Lake Cheese. For any trade wishing to attend the market, please visit: gff.co.uk/world-cheese-market-2022/ to book your free trade tickets.
Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2022 – Run by the Academy of Cheese, the Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition will take place at this year's World Cheese Awards in Wales. An innovative contest 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 within the industry.
Tracey Colley, director of the Academy of Cheese, comments “The Academy are thrilled to once again support the search for Young Cheesemonger of the Year. It's an award that is completely aligned to the Academy's ethos of championing skills and knowledge within the industry. I hope that in years to come, many more young cheesemongers will develop their passion for the sector through our accreditation programme. Previous contestants have gone onto great jobs in the cheese industry, including Senior Buyer, Head Cheesemaker and Cheese Grader”.
Free to enter, the competition is open to any cheesemonger under the age of 30, with applicants being asked initially to provide a short biography and submit recommendations for their perfect cheeseboard. Shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend the World Cheese Awards in Wales 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, and the final round - MasterRind - a quiz about cheeses from around the world. Sure to be a highlight of the competition, MasterRind will be hosted by Justin Tunstall, an award-winning cheesemonger-turned cheese judge, consultant, and food champion.
The winner of the award will be announced at the World Cheese Awards dinner on Wednesday 2 November. 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 2022, the winner will receive a trophy and will also be invited to judge at the World Cheese Awards 2023. International contestants are welcome, and all entries are to be submitted by Friday 9 September.
Keep up to date on socials: @guildoffinefood #WorldCheeseAwards