Looking for the young cheesemonger of the year
Credit: Academy of Cheese
The Academy of Cheese now calling out for cheesemongers around the world to enter in its search for the next Young Cheesemonger of the Year. The competition will be held, for the third year running at the World Cheese Awards in Viseu, Portugal on 15 November 2024.
In 2023, the competition saw six entrants from five countries facing each other in Trondheim, Norway, resulting in 21-year-old Lily Morris from Wales, winning the title. She said, “Winning really boosted not only my confidence in my mongering abilities, but it also helped build up the shop’s reputation. It has inspired me to keep on exploring the ever-changing cheese world, which never fails to amaze me.”
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. New for 2024 is the “Perfect Pairing” round, which asks applicants to present to the panel of judges their ultimate combination of one cheese, one Peter’s Yard cracker and one complementary accompaniment. Six shortlisted entrants will be invited to attend the World Cheese Awards and compete against their peers across five rounds.
The Academy is delighted to have Peter’s Yard on board as sponsors of the competition for the first time this year. As well as sponsorship, it is offering finalists £300 each (€357) in funding to support their travel and accommodation costs. Yona Ellis, marketing director at Peter’s Yard, added “We’re delighted to be supporting the Academy of Cheese in their search to find the freshest talent in the Young Cheesemonger of the Year award. We can’t wait to see what innovative pairings the contestants create with our award-winning crackers.”
Peter’s Yard is joined by the Guild of Fine Food as co-sponsors of the competition, with the winner of the award being announced on the same day at the World Cheese Awards.
Key dates for Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2024:
Open for entry: Monday 22 July
Deadline for entry: Monday 30 September
Finalists announced: Thursday 10 October
Finals & Results: Friday 15 November
Established to promote cheese knowledge and provide career development within the industry, the Academy of Cheese aims to build greater respect for the industry, with Young Cheesemonger of the Year showcasing the skill, knowledge and talent of its members.
As well as a bright future and the coveted title of Young Cheesemonger 2024, the winner will receive a trophy, feature in Fine Food Digest, and secure a place on the Academy of Cheese Level Two Member Certification course. They will also be invited to judge at the World Cheese Awards 2025.
Full details, along with the application form, can be found on the Academy’s website, www.academyofcheese.org/young-cheesemonger-of-the-year/.
