The prestigious World Cheese Awards recently named Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, a soft, raw ewes’ milk cheese from Portugal, as the winner for 2024 out of 4,786 entries from 47 countries. The cheese, produced by Quinta do Pomar in Soalheira, stood out among 14 finalists, impressing judges with its gooey, glossy, and buttery texture with a herby bitterness. The judging process involved 240 experts evaluating cheeses on appearance, smell, taste, and texture, leading to the selection of the top cheeses.
The event, held in Viseu, Portugal, showcased cheeses from around the world, with each entry bringing unique flavors and characteristics to the table. The World Cheese Awards aim to celebrate the diversity and quality of cheeses globally, providing recognition to small producers and helping them reach a wider audience. Cheese enthusiasts from different countries participate in the competition, emphasizing the importance of recognizing excellence in the cheese industry.
The competition highlights the passion and dedication of cheese makers in crafting exceptional products that delight consumers worldwide. The World Cheese Awards serve as a benchmark for quality in the industry, encouraging innovation and creativity among producers. As the largest cheese competition of its kind, the event attracts attention from cheese lovers and industry professionals, showcasing the best cheeses from diverse regions and cultures.
Moving forward, the Guild of Fine Food, the organizer of the World Cheese Awards, hopes to expand the event to include participants from even more countries. By recognizing and honoring exceptional cheeses, the competition plays a crucial role in supporting cheese makers and promoting the art of cheese production on a global scale.
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