Table of Contents
- 1 Most read in Euro Weekly News
- 2 The highest number of participants worldwide
- 3 devastating for British cheesemakers
- 4 Ete this year due to the issues Iain mentioned. When we are able to participate fully, I believe we can stand toe-to-toe with the best cheeses from countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
“
Image: Great Taste Awards / Facebook.
This year, the World Cheese Awards were held in Viseu, Portugal, where 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries were presented.
A panel of 240 judges assessed the applications, but the UK was unable to participate due to post-Brexit customs issues.
One cheese, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, a soft, creamy sheep’s milk cheese from Portugal, stood out and was named the best in the world. Made by Quinta do Pomar in the Serra da Gardunha region, it beat two Swiss cheeses, Tea Fondada and Alpenhorn Mifroma, which took second and third place, as well as Spanish and American entries, La Cava Barus García-Baquero and Bayley Hazen Blue , who finished the top five places.
Most read in Euro Weekly News
The highest number of participants worldwide
The event, organized by the Guild of Fine Food, marked a record number of participants, with 4,786 cheeses coming from all over the world.
However, British cheesemakers faced difficulties as their cheeses were delayed due to customs inspections, a direct result of Brexit. The delay could affect up to 252 cheeses from 67 producers in the UK, preventing them from entering the competition. Iain Farrand, the leader of the Association, pointed out that problems like this would not have happened before Brexit, expressing frustration with the lack of clarity about the issue.
devastating for British cheesemakers
Judge James Grant of the Real Cheese Project also criticized the situation, calling it “devastating” for British cheesemakers, many of whom are working hard to revive artisanal cheese production in the country.
The UK has not won a top prize since 2017, and this year no British cheese made the top 14.
Judges evaluated the 4,786 cheeses based on four main categories: appearance, texture, aroma and taste.
The winners of the 2024 World Cheese Awards came from several countries, including Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, the United States, Norway and Brazil.
“
2024-11-18 14:47:00
#Queso #Brexit #Euro #Weekly #News
Ete this year due to the issues Iain mentioned. When we are able to participate fully, I believe we can stand toe-to-toe with the best cheeses from countries like France, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Great Taste Awards / Facebook.
Interviewer: Today, we have two guests to discuss the results of the 2024 World Cheese Awards held in Viseu, Portugal. We have James Grant, a veteran judge in the competition, and Iain Farrand, the leader of the Association of Artisan Cheesemakers in Great Britain. Let’s start by discussing the record number of participants in this year’s event. James, how did you find the high number of entries?
James Grant: It was an exciting experience to taste so many different cheeses from around the world. The diversity and quality of cheeses that were presented were incredible. It was a great opportunity to discover new flavors and techniques.
Iain Farrand: I must admit that it was remarkable. However, it was quite a challenge for our British cheesemakers, as they faced customs issues that prevented up to 252 cheeses from participating. It’s frustrating because we know that we have some of the best cheeses in the world, but bureaucracy got in the way yet again.
Interviewer: James, as a judge, how did you assess the cheeses? Could you walk us through your process?
James Grant: Sure, we judges evaluated the cheeses based on four main categories: appearance, texture, aroma, and taste. We were looking for balance and complexity in flavors, as well as clean presentation. We also considered the craftsmanship that went into making the cheese.
Interviewer: Iain, could you share your thoughts on the situation with British cheesemakers not participating this year?
Iain Farrand: It’s devastating. Brexit was already causing us problems before, but this year it seemed like it was designed to undermine our industry. The delay of products to Portugal and the impossible customs paperwork was just the final straw. We need clarity and support from the government to ensure that British artisanal cheesemakers can compete on the international stage.
Interviewer: James, how does the UK fair against other countries in terms of cheese production?
James Grant: The UK has a rich cheese-making history, and we have some outstanding cheeses. However, we just couldn’t comp
