Organized by The Guild of Fine Food, the 36th edition of the World Cheese Awards is taking place in Viseu, Portugal, from November 14-17 – and producers anywhere in the world can enter their cheeses right now.
The annual event attracts entries from across the globe, with more than 4,500 cheeses from 43 countries being entered in 2023. The longlist is whittled down during the event and the winner, often in a neck-in-neck competition with the runners-up, is eventually determined.
Each entry is assessed on its own merit by a panel of over 250 technical experts, retailers, buyers and food writers, with three medals – bronze, silver and gold – up for grabs. But only one cheese takes the coveted gong of Supreme Champion.
Cheesemakers from across the globe are encouraged to enter as the organizers make sure the event can accept entries from far and wide by setting up consolidation points internationally plus storage and transportation to the judging venue.
John Farrand, MD of the Guild of Fine Food, said: “We’re excited to be taking the World Cheese Awards to a new host country and region, delivering the event with the city of Viseu on the 36th edition of the awards.
“Located in the heart of the Dão wine region, Viseu has a rich food and drink culture making it a fitting location for Portugal’s inaugural World Cheese Awards. The event brings together the global cheese trade and is unique in promoting international relations in the dairy industry. It will, once again, bring together the most important international cheese experts and the world’s best cheeses.”
Entries can be submitted via gff.co.uk/worldcheese from June 13 to September 16, or until the entry cap is reached.