Celebrating Cheese Awards Season: A Taste of Competition and Community
May is always an exciting time at Northumberland Cheese Company as the cheese awards season gets into full swing. This year, we’re thrilled to have already scooped two bronze awards at the British Cheese Awards-a fantastic recognition for our team and our cheeses. But the journey doesn’t stop there:we’re busy entering a host of other prestigious competitions, each with its own unique flavour and atmosphere.
A Calendar Full of Cheese Competitions
We’ve set our sights on several renowned events this year, including:
- The Artisan Cheese Awards
- The Royal County Cheshire Show
- The International Cheese and Dairy Awards
- The Mid Somerset Show
Each of these competitions offers something special, not just for cheesemakers but also for cheese lovers looking for a brilliant day out. While the International Cheese and Dairy Awards has moved to a trade-only format this year, the others remain open to the public-perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the world of artisan cheese and agriculture.
Behind the Scenes: Entering Cheese into Competition
Entering cheese competitions is always a blend of excitement and strategy. With so many outstanding cheeses produced across the UK and Ireland and globally, choosing which of our cheeses to enter-and in which categories-can be a real challenge. Each show has its own classes and criteria, from fresh and soft cheeses to hard, blue, and even flavoured varieties. We produce seven cheeses made with goat, sheep, and cow’s milk, all vegetarian and pasteurised, so there’s plenty to consider!
For instance, at the Artisan Cheese Awards, there are 20 different classes covering everything from milk type to cheese style, and you can enter the same cheese in more than one class if you think it stands out in multiple ways. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the versatility and quality of our range.
Why Cheese Awards Matter
Of course, it’s always an honour to win a medal, but there’s more to these events than trophies and certificates. The real value comes from the expert feedback we receive from judges-often respected figures from across the cheese world, including cheesemongers, food writers, and buyers for top retailers. Their comments help us refine our cheeses and keep striving for perfection.
Come Along and Join the Fun
If you’re looking for a day out with a difference, why not visit one of these events? You’ll have the chance to taste award-winning cheeses, meet the makers, and enjoy the buzz of competition. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on how our cheeses get on.
Here’s to another year of delicious competition and, hopefully, more medals for Northumberland Cheese Company!
