The British Cheese Board has presented John Pearson with its prestigious Bath & West Cheese Industry Award at this year’s show. The annual award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the UK cheese industry in the areas of production, marketing, research or training, was presented to John Pearson on 1 June. The award recognises John’s many years as a senior food technologist, and particularly his technical skills and knowledge in buying and retailing cheese.
“John’s contribution to the cheese industry has been considerable and this award recognises his impressive career at the forefront of buying cheese for a major retailer,” Nigel White, secretary of the British Cheese Board says. “His knowledge of science and retail make him a wonderful food technologist and an asset to the industry. By working closely with both farmers and consumers, he truly understands what makes a wonderful and award-winning cheese, which is why he has been involved in the judging process in all major cheese shows throughout the UK.”
Pearson lives in Uxbridge in Middlesex and was educated at the University of Leeds, graduating with a degree in chemistry. He worked at Marks and Spencer as a senior food technologist for almost 30 years, with 15 of these spent focussing solely on cheese within the dairy department, where his specially selected British cheeses won numerous awards.
He is a leading retail expert in cheese quality, and has been involved as a judge in all major cheese shows throughout the UK. Since retiring from Marks and Spencer, Pearson has carried out consultancy work for a number of companies in the British Isles.
For more information about British Cheese and the British Cheese Board please visit www.britishcheese.com