SF-October-2020

CHEESE UNCUT @specialityfood 30 New retail perspectives from industry experts The award-winning Devon-based cheesemaker Sharpham Cheese has re-released its range, showcasing a new visual identity. Designed to communicate its simple and natural approach to cheesemaking, the new look was created by Exeter design agency, Buddy Creative. The latest branding also reflects the natural environment surrounding the cheesemaker, which is situated on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon. The hand-illustrated labels feature tasting notes and serving suggestions as well as a clear description of the cheese inside. Greg Parsons, managing director of Sharpham Cheese, said, “We think the beautiful branding unifies the range and captures the essence of Sharpham perfectly. “The central graphic – complete with Devon sunshine, rolling hills and the flow of the River Dart - helps to sum up what we are all about. Cheesemaking is, in many ways, the art of harvesting sunshine. The sun helps grow the grasses upon which our animals graze - and the mineral- rich water which flows into the Dart has irrigated our dairy-lands. “Both these essential elements contribute to make our cheese what it is. The county of Devon is one of the best landscapes for dairy farming and cheesemaking in the world – and the new logo reflects that. We are excited to see the brand’s latest incarnation hit the shelves.” David Jones from Buddy Creative said, “The previous brand design was inconsistent throughout the portfolio and needed a stylish new look to stand out. Our vibrant and eye-catching design harmonises the range and strives to capture people’s attention at the delicatessen counter.” New look for Sharpham Cheese Virtual Cheese Awards to return for 202 1 edition The innovative Virtual Cheese Awards are set to return for 2021, to continue its mission to support the British cheese industry and increase transparency around the judging process. On Saturday 18th July, a number of cheese industry icons joined forces to judge the inaugural Virtual Cheese Awards in front of an online audience of over 3,000 cheese lovers. Founded following the outbreak of Covid-19, with an aim of helping to support and promote the British cheese industry while it was facing major difficulties as a result of the pandemic, the Virtual Cheese Awards demonstrated an innovative new format for cheese judging and awards. It was held entirely online, and allowed the general public to witness the process of cheese judging for themselves. The not-for-profit awards benefited not only the award- winners, but also raised money for the Specialist Cheesemakers Association Bursary. Over 300 cheeses across seven categories had been whittled down to just 30, and the final winner of the Best of British accolade was named as Renegade Monk, made by Feltham’s Farm Cheese in Somerset. Joint second place was awarded to Long Clawson Dairy for its Rutland Red and Cornish Gouda for its Fenugreek Gouda, and third place was given to Beacon Blue from Butlers Farmhouse Cheese. Sarah de Wit, founder of the Virtual Cheese awards and cheese and dairy consultant, said, “The Virtual Cheese Awards were a real labour of love and we learnt a lot on the way. I’m so proud that my VCA Team, Kerry Love, Vickie Rogerson, Jeremy Bowen, Kara Bowen and of course Nigel Pooley (plus our awesome sponsors) delivered such a brilliant event that helped celebrate some truly inspiring British producers – our aim was always to make British Cheese ‘the hero’ of the awards. “I remain passionate about evolving the way cheese awards are judged by making it more inclusive and transparent. We’ve had so much positive feedback from producers about the live judging, and indeed it was a leap of faith but it worked! “In light of the incredible feedback we have achieved from sponsors, cheesemakers, and ‘foodies’ we are in the process of setting up a 2021 Virtual Cheese Awards. In our second year, we will continue to highlight great British cheese and continue to develop the joy of virtual judging – watch this space as we intend to celebrate and maximise the all that we achieved in 2020.” CHEESE FACT FILE… QUICKE’S BUTTERY CLOTHBOUND CHEDDAR Country of origin: England Milk: Cow’s Type: Cheddar Background: Quicke’s Buttery Clothbound Cheddar is handcrafted on the Quicke’s Devon farm using milk from grass-fed cows. Naturally matured for three months Tasting notes: A smooth, rich Cheddar with distinct buttery notes According to data from HMRC, the export of British cheese to Asian markets has grown at an “unparalleled pace”. While the EU remains an important export market for British cheese, the past five years saw 39.4% of growth in exports to the EU while exports to Asian economies rose by 289.3%. The data showed that seven of the top 10 fastest growing export markets for cheese made in Britain were Asian. The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade & President of the Board of Trade, said, “Latest HMRC data showing the soaring demand for British cheese across Asian economies serves as evidence of the truly global appeal of British produce and growing ambitions amongst UK cheese exporters to break into prosperous markets which will be at the forefront of the world stage in years to come. “My international economic department is keen to ensure UK businesses continue to operate in these markets with unparalleled success and stands ready to help businesses of all sizes seeking expansion overseas.” Asian demand for UK cheese spirals