The Guild of Fine Food is happy to present the return of the World Cheese Awards in November 2021. It is the most internationally recognized cheese competition. Bringing together thousands of cheeses from across the globe. And with South Africa bringing home prizes almost every time, we look forward to hearing what the judges decide at this year’s 33rd edition.
SA Wins in Previous Years
Almost every year South Africa has brought home wins from the prestigious World Cheese Awards. In 2016, the 29th year of the competition, Fairview made us proud with a gold rating for its Chevre Roue goats milk cheese. As well as a silver rating for the Botham’s Cremezola Blue, a creamy, gorgonzola-style cheese. And finally a bronze for its Saint Louis white mould cheese. All against a total of 3021 different cheeses presented from around the globe.
Then the World Cheese Awards 31st edition in 2018, received a whopping 3,472 entries. And Kilembe (a hard, caprino-style goat cheese) from Belnori Boutique Cheesery was named the Best South African Cheese. Not only that, Kilembe was voted one of the top 16 cheeses in the world! To top this off, many more awards were presented to other South African cheese varieties. Gold was awarded to Parmalat’s President Mature Cheddar, Meze Foods’ Meze halloumi, Lancewoods Mascarpone and again Fairviews Brie De Roche. With another six South African cheeses taking home silver ratings and seven more with bronze.
The 33rd Edition is Upon Us
November 2021 marks the 33rd edition of the World Cheese Awards. And this year the competition received a record-breaking 4079 entries. From 45 different countries and 825 companies. A 7.2% increase compared to 2019!
Held in Oviedo, 230 judges will be assessing the rind, body, colour, texture, consistency and, above all, taste, of all the different cheeses. The judges also consider biodiversity, sustainability, internationalization and innovation.
On November 2nd, this phenomenally wide variety of cheeses will be presented. With the judge’s evaluations taking place on the 3rd. Then from the 4-6 November all those preset will have the opportunity to take part in tastings as well as other fun activities, such as the Gastro Cheese Comedy Show.