World cheese awards open for entries

The 29th World Cheese Awards has opened for entries. The award is organised by the Guild of Fine Food, and judging will take place in San Sebastian, Spain.

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Approximately 3 000 cheeses from 300 countries are expected to be entered.

Christo Venter, a goat cheese producer form Vaalwater, Limpopo, who’s entered the World Cheese Awards previously and won numerous bronze and silver awards, says he feels it’s important for local cheesemakers to enter international competitions.

“Local cheese quality is high, but if you win a silver or bronze at an international competition then you know you’re at an international level,” Venter told Farmer’s Weekly.

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Venter said he will enter again this year, but says costs were high in previous years – up to R1 000/entry. “It’s a lot of money for a small producer if you want to enter 10 products. You also need to pay for your flight and permits,” he said.

Judging will take place on 16 November and will involve 250 judges from around the world.

The World Cheese Awards is open for entry from Wednesday, 17 August, until Tuesday, 11 October. Producers can enter online at www.gff.co.uk/wca