Cheese and the Dairy Industries Expo

I was at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards the week before last, sampling cheeses from various countries. It continues to be a stalwart in the dairy community, at year 128, it is still looking good. Strangely, one of the better cheeses with inclusions had strawberry added to it. It worked, which goes to show you that innovation continues in the cheese making sector, and to not discount anything. You may be pleasantly surprised.

In conjunction with the Society of Dairy Technology‘s summer symposium and annual dinner, it made for a busy few days up in Stafford.

The SDT speaker this year, Ben Fogle, did admit his favourite cheese is Gruyère. I have to say, he obviously didn’t try the Supreme Champion, Belton Farms’ Traditional Coloured Cheshire, I don’t think.  I also thought it amazing when one of our table also said, oh yes, I’ve been up Everest too. Goes to show you how dynamic we cheese and dairy types are.

It also reminded us that our own event, the Dairy Industries Expo, is getting closer. Save the dates of 29-30 October. It is being held at NAEC Stoneleigh, with speakers such as Paddy Duggan of packaging NGO Wrap, Dr Judith Bryans of Dairy UK, and Andrew Palmer of Lantra. Andrew will be chairing a session where they’ll explore the key areas and issues in the industry. Paul Harris of consultancy REAL Success will also be joining us for a session.

It promises to be of great interest and the seminars are being held right inside the exhibition halls, so there will be plenty to absorb in the two days. As it approaches, I find myself looking forward to it more and more. It’s like planning a wedding – months of preparation, and then it all goes by in the flash. See you there!

PS – Would like to say we are thinking of the survivors and the people who died in the terrible 7/7 bombings here in London today. It has been 20 years and it still saddens me.

• Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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