Prestigious cheese awards moves to new venue for 2021

The International Cheese and Dairy Awards has announced a new venue and dates for its 2021 edition.

After a long association with Nantwich Agricultural Society that began in 1897, International Cheese and Dairy Show chairman Ian Luxton thanked the venue for its support throughout the event’s history, during which time the awards has gone from strength to strength.

However, seeking a more sustainable venue that’s weather-proof and more economical, the awards organisers have made the decision to move to a new home.

The 2021 edition of the International Cheese and Dairy Awards will now be hosted at Staffordshire County Showground where there is a range of exhibition halls, conference suites and outdoor facilities.

The awards typically welcomes over 5,500 entries every year, and for 2021, organisers hope that will grow – though what impact Brexit will have remains to be seen.
Ian Luxton, chairman said, “The emphasis is on innovation, making sure we encompass market trends, become more light-footed, respond to changes in the industry and remain a relevant and credible competition so we can develop a sustainable platform and secure our future; I think we’ve set this plan in motion but there’s always room for improvement. Having had a year off as well, we’re using this time to make sure the awards are as good as they can be.”

The International Cheese Accompaniment Awards, which started two years ago, is also returning: “That’s very much something we want to grow because the consumer definitely wants to know what to eat with cheese, how to eat cheese – and that’s a significant part of our future development.”

As with previous years, next year’s instalment will include a Trade Day and Show Days, hosted on 1st July, and 2nd and 3rd July, respectively. Historically, the awards have taken place later in the month. However, to avoid clashes with existing shows around the UK and internationally, the event has been moved to welcome more exhibitors and visitors as organisers aim to make the 2021 edition bigger and better.