Norwegian blue takes top honours at World Cheese Awards
Kraftkar blue cheese, made by Norwegian producer Tingvollost, was named the first Champion of Champions at the World Cheese Awards last week (17 November).
All previous World Champion Cheese winners were in the running for the top prize, but it was Kraftkar, which was crowned World Champion Cheese 2016 the previous day, that scooped the trophy.
Ossau Iraty from Fromagerie Agour in France came second and Le Gruyère AOP Premier Cru from Cremo SA von Mühlenen in Switzerland was placed third.
Now in its 29th year, the event, run by the Guild of Fine Food, was held at the Kursaal Congress Centre in San Sebastián, Spain, on the second day of the International Cheese Festival.
Some 266 cheese experts from 26 different nations judged more than 3,000 cheeses from 31 countries the day before, awarding bronze, silver, gold and super gold, while a judging panel of 17 cheese makers, buyers, retailers and writers decided the final winning Champion of Champions.
Ingulf Galaaen, fellow Norwegian cheesemaker from Røros, who accepted the award on Tingvollost's behalf, said: "It was a very special day yesterday… this is a fantastic achievement for cheesemakers in Norway."
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, added: "What an incredible way to cap off another record-breaking year for the World Cheese Awards. Nearly three decades' worth of World Champion cheeses took the stage in front of our audience of food professionals, cheese-makers, journalists, buyers and retailers. This was definitely a moment to remember."
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