World’s Best Cheese Announced at Nantwich

A Montagnolo Affine, produced by Kaserei Champignon and imported by Elite Imports Ltd, beat over 3,927 other entries.

Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar, produced by Ashley Chase Estate Ltd, was crowned the Reserve Supreme Champion, whilst Belton Cheese Ltd won the National Westminster trophy for the highest number of gold awards. Marks & Spencer was given the Supreme Retailer Award.

Mick Acuta, of Elite Imports Ltd, said, “I’m thrilled. I feel like I’ve just won gold at the Olympics. I just want to compliment and thank the cheesemaker Kaserei Champignon for the quality of this cheese. A few years ago it won Reserve Overseas Champion and this is another great achievement for the company.”

Richard Paul, Chairman of the show, added, “This has been the biggest show so far and it’s been fantastic. We still manage to announce the results on the same day as the judging which is amazing.

“For the Montagnolo Affine to have beaten them all to become Supreme Champion means it is a truly exceptional cheese. Our panel of 156 expert judges were looking for flavour, for overall appearance and for the truly remarkable. With our Supreme Champion, along with all the other category winners and runner ups, they found it.

“All winners can now feature the International Cheese Awards logo on packaging, and when a shopper spots it they can be safe in the knowledge that the product has been judged by experts as outstanding.

“I’m sure next year will be even better, possibly with more entries – although I’m not sure how much bigger the show can get!” he said.