Big cheeses to roll into Cheshire
THOUSANDS of people, including producers, suppliers and buyers from across the world will gather in Cheshire next week for the International Cheese Awards.
The event, first held in 1897, is part of the Nantwich Agricultural Show. Held in a 70,000 sq ft air-conditioned marquee, more than 3,700 cheeses from 30 countries as far afield as New Zealand, the US and Canada will compete for the ultimate prize.
Richard Paul, chairman of the judges and a director at Buxton-based Bradbury & Sons, a major cheese supplier and distributor, says the awards underline the importance of agriculture to the Cheshire economy and also the value of the £2.5bn cheese market to this country.
He said: “Cheshire will be the heart of the cheese-making industry next week. We have more exhibitors and delegates than ever before and the awards are now truly internatiomal and highly coveted.
“As well as the producers, all the major supermarkets are attending, while we also have a few celebrity chefs cooking here with James Martin and the Hairy Bikers amongst others.”
Next Tuesday is the trade day when the prizes will be handed out – more than 70 trade exhibitors from 24 countries will be showcasing their wares with 25 tons of cheese being put on display.
Mr Paul heads a team of 150 judges who will have to sample each cheese – last year’s winner was an organic Parmisan from Northern Italy.
The following day, more than 35,000 people are expected to visit the marquee.
Mr Paul added: “The awards have really gained in momentum over the last four years and we are confident that we’ll welcome record numbers this year.
“Cheese is a fantastic product, with so many varieties, tastes and consistencies and it is great that the North West is right at the heart of the industry. It’s appropriate too that the awards is being held in a tent in a field in rural Cheshire – and not in a conference hall in a city centre.”
