Why Exhibiting at the International Cheese & Dairy EXPO is a Game-Changer for Your Brand
Some insight into how we judge nearly 5,500 cheese and dairy products in a day
A Strategic Advantage for Cheese and Dairy Professionals
Snowdonia Cheese Co won three prestigious accolades at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards 2024. Our new cheese bakes, launched last year, won their first awards: a gold for our Rock Star Cheese & Wine Bake, and a silver for our Black Bomber Welsh Rarebit Cheese Bake. In addition, Red Devil – our spicy Red Leicester with Habanero chillies and peppers – took home a bronze medal. The International Cheese & Dairy Awards, which took place at Bingley Hall in Staffordshire County Showground, Stafford, on 27th June, have been running for 128 years. As the world’s biggest platform championing world-class cheese and dairy producers, it attracts more than 5,500 entries each year – so to receive not one but three medals is a huge honour. To discover their award-winning cheeses and cheese bakes, visit their online shop.
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The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.
Chr. Hansen have become the new sponsor of the Supreme Champion at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA) 2023
A blue cheese made by Long Clawson Dairy was named Supreme Champion Cheese in Stafford, UK on Thursday 30 June. Shropshire Blue rose to the top as the best UK and intern ational cheese at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards, which was held at Staffordshire County Showground as part of the three-day cheese and dairy event, combining a one-day trade show with a two day consumer festival – Love Cheese Live. Produced by The Long Clawson Dairy co-operative established in 1911 that continues to be run by farmers and relies on local milk from over 41 farms in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to create a range of very special cheeses. “We’re delighted that our small farming cooperative, where the craft and care of our master cheesemakers is so important to us, was recognised through our delicious Shropshire Blue entry. We’re still on high spirits after our win and are busy making space in our awards cabinet for the Supreme Champion Trophy!” said Bill Mathieson, Managing Director, Long Clawson Dairy. Despite its name, Shropshire Blue isn't made in Shropshire, nor has it ever been. It was originally made in Scotland and is now made in the Stilton producing regions of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire by Long Clawson Dairy. The cheeses are then matured for their full term of n a period of 10-12 weeks, it forms an orange-brown, natural rind and smooth texture. With a sharp, strong flavour and a bit tangy aroma, it is a vegetarian's cheese having a fat content of 48%. Dai Williams, Head pf Judging at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards commented, “Once again we have had fantastic support from all aspects of our industry with 238 judges from all business sectors supporting us on the day. The effort to judge 4000 cheeses in 400 plus classes and get to the winner in four hours is a fantastic achievement by all.” In a close-run final, the Supreme runner up was awarded to a goats cheese made by FrieslandCampina in Holland. The Supreme Champion Dairy Product (non-dairy) went to Fonterra for their culinary cream and Morrisons were awarded Supreme Cheese Retailer. Ian Luxton, Chairman of the International Cheese & Dairy Awards, added: “As the ICDAs was founded over 125 years ago to showcase the work of the British and International cheesemakers, it gives me immense pleasure to see a cheesemaking business with such history taking top honours. It’s an incredible feat to stand out in a field of over 4,000 cheeses from every corner of the world, but Long Clawson clearly had everything: delivering an exceptional appearance, aroma, texture and flavour. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors, retailers, suppliers to the industry, competitors and trade for their continued support of this very special awards and one rich in heritage.” The 125th International Cheese & Dairy Awards was bigger and more international than ever before, featuring over 4,000 entries. The competing classes represented countries from all around the world. All entries were judged in a single day, as 238 experts considered appearance, texture, aroma, and flavour of the cheese, dairy and accompaniments. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Champion accolades were awarded first, before the Supreme Champions were reassessed to find this year’s trophy winners.
The Awards are proud to support UK and International artisan cheese and dairy producers. It has been a difficult couple of years and we need to continue to buy and support the smaller producers and recognise the quality and effort they put into their products. This year we are introducing the Supreme Artisan Producer of the Year Award which is sponsored by Rowcliffe and will be presented during the trade lunch. This award is important to the industry as is supports and creates awareness for the artisan producers. The winner will receive a Key Sponsor Package for 2023 and a market stall at next year’s awards. Anyone wanting more information about these awards should contact our Artisan representative Kerry Love on kerry.love@btinternet.com .
The International Cheese and Dairy Awards and pleased to announce their new Key Sponsor Americold. Americold offers the most comprehensive temperature-controlled storage and distribution network available, supported by the most advanced technology, and with a singular focus on customer service. For almost 120 years, Americold has been the leader in providing technology-based engineered solutions for the temperature-controlled supply chain industry. Our inspiration comes from, the producers, retailers, and food service providers we partner with daily, to bring passion to market. We have over 16,000 associates and offer a wide variety of career opportunities - from warehouse forklift operators and supervisors to accounting, administration, business development, customer support, engineering, transportation, and technology solutions positions. At Americold, we’re always on the move, providing the vital link from farm to fork.
