Finalists revealed for the 2024 Young Cheesemonger of the Year Award
Credit: Guild of Fine Foods
Academy of Cheese announced yesterday the shortlisted finalists for this year’s Young Cheesemonger of the Year competition, taking place on Friday 15th November at the World Cheese Awards in Viseu, Portugal. Two of the contestants will be travelling from as far afield as Australia, whilst all competitors are being assisted, by event sponsors Peter’s Yard, with funding towards their travel and accommodation.
The finalists are:
- Mia Crouch, Supercheese, Victoria, Australia
- Daniel Iliev, Paxton & Whitfield, London, UK
- Orla Jackson, Neal’s Yard Dairy, London, UK
- Lily Jenkins, Hill Street, Hobart, Tasmania
- Dominic Jones, Rennet & Rind, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Jack Welch, The Pangbourne Cheese Shop, Berkshire, UK
Entrants were asked to provide a short biography and recommendations for their perfect cheeseboard, with this year’s impressive responses presenting judges with the tough task of narrowing down the list.
The six finalists will now go head-to-head on 15th November, over five rounds, including a Perfect Pairing round, the quick-fire Q&A “MasterRind” – testing their cheese general knowledge – and the fast-paced cut and wrap round.
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.
As well as a bright future and the coveted title of Young Cheesemonger 2024, the winner will receive a trophy, a BOSKA Professional Cheesemonger Tool Set, a 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.
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.
The Academy of Cheese was created in 2016 to establish an industry-supported, recognised and certified development programme to promote cheese and cheese knowledge.
The World Cheese Awards takes place in Viseu, Portugal between 14th and 17th November and incorporates a two-day cheese festival, Young Cheesemonger of the Year and the judging of over 4000 cheeses by 200 international experts.
