Got A Brilliant Cheese? Here’s How To Get It Noticed By The Whole World

Right, let's have a chat. Imagine you’re a cheesemaker. You pour your heart and soul into creating something truly special. It’s the kind of cheese your mates rave about, the one that makes your little corner of the world a tastier place. But sometimes, it can feel like you’re a bit of a well-kept secret, right? You know your cheese is amazing, but how do you get the rest of the world to know? Well, there’s a massive event that could be just the ticket. We're talking about the World Cheese Awards, and it's a pretty big deal for cheesemakers and retailers everywhere.

So what’s the big cheese with these awards?

Okay, picture this: a gigantic hall, filled with tables piled high with cheese from every corner of the globe. That’s basically the World Cheese Awards. This year, the 37th edition is happening from 13-15 November in Bern, the beautiful capital of Switzerland. It’s all part of the massive Capital of Cheese festival, which sounds like the best festival ever, honestly. The event itself is taking place at a venue called Neue Festhalle, and it’s being organised by the good people at the Guild of Fine Food.

And when I say it’s big, I mean it. They're expecting around 4,500 different types of cheese from over 40 countries. And who’s tasting all this cheese? A panel of 250 experts. These aren't just random people; they are top cheesemakers, buyers for big shops, food writers, and other pros from the food industry. They fly in from all over, forming a global judging community whose opinion really matters. These awards are a huge opportunity to connect with a wider network of professionals.

What actually happens to your cheese?

This is the best part. It’s not about who has the fanciest label or the biggest marketing budget. Every single entry is blind-tasted. This means the judges on the panel have no idea whose cheese they’re eating. They don't see your brand name or your cool packaging. All they get is the cheese itself. They judge it on its own merit – the texture, the smell, the taste, that special something that makes it brilliant. It’s the fairest way to do it.

So, your little block of cheddar from down the road has the exact same chance as a famous French brie. It's all about the quality. Winning one of these awards means your product has been recognised by some of the best palates in the business, which is a massive thumbs-up for all your hard work. This process provides some serious validation for cheesemakers of all sizes.

Okay, but what are the real benefits for me?

Let's be honest, winning a shiny medal is nice, but what does it actually do for you? Loads, actually. The benefits are huge, especially for smaller producers and retailers looking for the next big thing. First off, it’s a massive boost for your brand awareness. Suddenly, people know who you are. Having that little gold, silver, or bronze award sticker on your product makes it stand out. A customer browsing a cheese counter is way more likely to pick up one of the award-winning cheeses. It's a sign of quality they can trust.

This, of course, usually leads to more sales. But it’s more than that. It opens doors. It helps you build your professional network. Imagine getting a call from a distributor you’ve been trying to get in touch with for ages. Winning at the World Cheese Awards gives you a story to tell and a reason for people to pay attention. It gets your name known within the industry and the wider foodie community.

Sounds good, how do I get involved?

Glad you asked! The entry process is officially open right now. But don't hang about, because it closes on Tuesday 16 September, and sometimes it closes even earlier if they reach their maximum capacity of entries. And they probably will.

The organisers, the Guild of Fine Food, know that sorting out the logistics can seem a bit complicated, especially if you’ve never done it before. So, they’ve put together some useful stuff to help you out. All the information you need is available.

• Presentation: There’s a downloadable presentation that walks you through everything. It covers the requirements, the shipping logistics, and all the potential benefits. It’s even available in six different languages.
• Webinar: If you’ve got specific queries, they can even host a webinar for you and your community of cheesemakers. It’s a chance to ask questions directly and get the answers you need.
• Call: You can even organise a call to chat through any specific queries. They're keen to help everyone feel ready to submit their entry.

This whole thing is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to be part of a global cheese celebration in Bern, Switzerland. If you believe in your product, getting it in front of this expert panel could be a game-changer. Getting those award-winning cheeses onto shelves starts here. So, if you’re a cheesemaker or one of the many retailers who champion them, this is your moment.