Cream Of Cheese Industry Elect Star Products

In 2007, Dairy Crest scooped the top award with an extra mature Davidstow. This year, the brand won both UK and overall Supreme Champion, while Dutch producer, Cono Kaasmakers, went home with the 2008 Reserve Champion trophy.

In total, a record 2,655 varieties of cheese battled it out to be crowned. The entries were split into 160 categories and all class winners were compared to find the overall champion. Judges’ secretary, Dai Williams, explains, “Class winners are chosen by an expert judging panel. These specialists, who travel from all over the world, evaluate each cheese against the attributes, which are specific to that variety.

“The Supreme Champion must not only be the best example of a cheese variety, but will excel in taste, flavour, texture and character when compared to all other class winners.”

Overall, the organisers were delighted with the level of entries and the quality of the products put under the scrutiny of the industry’s top experts. Show chairman, Richard Paul, says, “We had the cream of the world’s producers competing at Nantwich this year. It is encouraging to see that last year’s poor weather hasn’t put people off – if anything it has made competitors even more determined to support the show.

This year’s event was the biggest yet, reaffirming its position as the world’s biggest cheese show. Including 63 trade stands, it took place under a 58,000 ft2 marquee. New suspended cassette flooring and air conditioning ensured visitors enjoyed the show, whatever the weather.

Mr Paul explains, “Nantwich has a proud history and its continued success is down to making sure it remains fresh and relevant to the trade and producers, as well as over 30,000 consumers who visit every year. We’re committed to ensuring Nantwich provides the number one showcase for world class products and expertise for many years to come.”

For the full list of this year’s winning cheeses visit, www.nantwichshow.co.uk.