The world of cheese

The International Cheese Awards at Nantwich was abuzz the other day. Cheese makers from more than 20 countries arrived to show their wares and to see whether the judges would decide their cheese was worthy of gold or even Supreme Champion. In the end, Colston Bassett walked away with the top gong for its whole blue Stilton, to the dismay of the other Stilton makers in the tent. Still, this is the way of the awards. A French fresh goat cheese, made by Fromagerie P.Jacquin et Fils based in the Loire Valley, Berry and Touraine area of France collected the reserve supreme champion award. British supermarket Waitrose, meanwhile, won for having the most gold awards at the show, 22. 

The Nantwich show was redesigned this year and the tent seemed roomier, despite the record breaking number of entries: 4,455. The press centre was also well-equipped with both cheese and information. I was also happy to spot Aldo Zilli working away behind the Divo stand.

The induction of the French cheese guild members gave the trade lunch an international feel, and it was good to see worthy British members alongside French and American participants.

Indeed, the breadth of attendance makes the International Cheese Awards somewhat special. You overhear people speaking in a multitude of languages. It is a bit like a United Nations for cheese. For one day, the world of cheese comes to a field in Cheshire.