Source The Best Cheese This Weekend

With a stunning new location, The British Cheese Awards trade day on Friday 26th September will mark a new era for the event. Now organised by Cardiff Council, the event, which will take place at Cardiff Castle, is the ultimate day in the cheese calender and remains the key event for retailers, buyers and cheese aficionados. “We are thrilled to welcome such a prestigious national event to Cardiff Castle and look forward to it becoming firmly established in our annual calendar,” says Kevin Burt, manager at Cardiff Castle.

But why should you take the valuable time off to attend? “Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food they eat and where it comes from. To satisfy their expectations and aspirations and stay one step ahead of your competitors come to the Festival Trade Day,” advises British Cheese Awards organiser, Juliet Harbutt.

Learning curve
From informative workshops to a host of exhibitors showing their brand new cheeses for the first time, the event is always busy and inspiring – the perfect forum for both learning and doing business.

This year, Britain’s Biggest Cheese Market will features a staggering 56% of Britain’s cheese makers, offering over 450 of the newest, smelliest, smallest or oldest cow, goat, ewe and even buffalo milk cheeses.

Also making an appearance are companies such as Paxton & Whitfield and the Fine Cheese Co who will be exhibiting with chutneys, crackers, cheese knives, cutters and gadgets. In the Best of British Marketplace juices and oysters will rub shoulders with quince cheese, fruit gins and fresh pies, offering visitors the chance to discover new, innovative and exceptional regional British producers.

New this year is the A Taste of Wales Market which will celebrate the abundance of producers in the region, featuring breads, handmade chocolates, chutneys, rare breed meats and pies. Also making an appearance is the Rare Essentials Market - a handful of companies selling products that can’t be grown in the UK including olives, olive oils, chocolates, chillies and sensational smoked spices.

Back again is The Cook & Book Shop featuring everything from old and new books, pottery, cheese boards and knives, whilst The Cardiff Arms will display a host of fantastic English wines, local beers and an exceptional range of traditional cider and local perry gathered together by CAMRA and accompanied by live music.

What they say
In 2007 buyers and exhibitors alike praised the quality and diversity of participants and the strict “trade only” policy ensured exhibitors’ time was not wasted giving retailers the opportunity to see, touch and taste new products while doing business. “The BCA Trade Day is an integral date in our buying calendar and a very valuable opportunity to see the top British and Irish cheese makers at one venue in a short space of time,” says Chris Dawson from Waitrose.

Following the trade day will be The British Cheese Awards dinner (sponsored by Colliers, Wensleydale Dairy Products and Wells Stores) where top names in the industry come together to celebrate the best in the business. Taking place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, the event is always a sell-out and bookings are already being taken. For more information visit www.thecheeseweb.com