A Northumberland dairy is celebrating like the cat that got the cream after taking three prizes at the World Cheese Awards.
The 34th edition of the awards, which were held at the International Convention Centre in Newport, Wales, on Thursday, saw a record-breaking 4,434 entries. And Doddington Dairy took an outstanding three awards at "The World Cup of Cheese".
It took gold for its Doddington, silver for Admiral Collingwood (which is dipped in Newcastle Brown Ale before it matures) and bronze for Berwick Edge. And the family-run farm, based in the Glendale Valley near Wooler in north Northumberland, couldn't be happier with their very gouda performance.
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James Quince, cheesemaker at Doddington Dairy said: "We're chuffed, it's good to get recognition and when we found out it was a nice little positive way to end the week. It makes what we do worthwhile!"
Doddington weren't able to send anyone to Wales as all hands are on deck in the run up to Christmas. The awards came just after the dairy launched a new cheese, Hotspur, last month, made from unpasteurised milk, marinated in extra virgin oil and coated in black pepper.
Hotspur didn't make the awards, but the other three were among the thousands sent to Wales by boat, truck, train and plane via 19 consolidation points around the world. Many of the artisans who entered their cheeses into the competition are also samll businesses, with Doddington encouraging people to consider buying locally to help out small and independent businesses during the cost of living crisis.
James continued: "If you buy local and support local businesses survive especially in these tough times and you know exactly where it's coming from. Our cheese is made from the milk from our own dairy herd so everything is in house here."
The World Champion Cheese went to the Le Gruyère AOP surchoix, entered by Swiss cheesemaker Vorderfultigen and affineur Gourmino. Second was Gorgonzola Dolce DOP from De'Magi in Italy, while the highest ranked British cheese was a Devon Blue from the Ticklemore Cheese Dairy in Totnes.
John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, organisers of the World Cheese Awards, said: "What a finale. This year’s World Cheese Awards has been a huge success and Wales has been the perfect canvas for this colourful event."
"The judges in the room today, our cheese experts from all over the world, were clearly blown away by the quality of the cheese and dedication shown by the cheesemakers.
Doddington Dairy also makes ice cream and yoghurt. For more information, visit the website.
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