Entries open as Virtual Cheese Awards launches for a third year

The Virtual Cheese Awards is back with a bang for 2022, with entries across a range of classes now open. Entries close on 20th March 2022, and the live final will be held on Friday 13th May 2022, hosted by BBC broadcaster and local food and drink champion Nigel Barden.

The awards’ innovative format offers a completely open and transparent judging process that is shared online, so every single cheese will receive valuable and thoughtful feedback from its panel of esteemed cheese judges.

“Knowledge is power and for the British cheese industry to continue thriving, we need to arm producers with solid, informed feedback on their products,” said Sarah de Wit, co-founder of Virtual Cheese Awards. “Cheesemakers pour their hearts into carefully crafting, maturing and testing their cheese so it can be frustrating to be left in the dark when the cheeses are entered into awards.

“The Virtual Cheese Awards aim to lift the lid on the secret world of judging as well as showcase the immense amount of creativity in our amazing British cheese industry,” she continued. “Whether it’s brand-new cheeses, classic British territorials and Cheddars, twists on traditional or Continental styles or great examples of British handmade artisan cheese, we want to celebrate them all.”

Thousands of cheese fans tuned in to watch the live unveiling of the 2021 Best British Cheese, which was awarded to a Spanish-inspired fresh cow’s milk cheese, La Fresca Margarita, from Somerset-based Feltham’s Farm. Joint silver was awarded to Harvey & Brockless by Cellar Dairy for its goat’s cheese Blanche and Butler’s Farmhouse Cheeses for its oak-fired Red Leicester Smouldering Ember. Wyke Farms was awarded bronze with its Ivy’s Reserve Vintage Cheddar.

The Virtual Cheese Awards Best of British cheese prize includes:
• Free editorial features and digital coverage in Speciality Food magazine and Great British Food magazine, worth £4,000
• An opportunity to have the winning cheese showcased at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2022 by the VCA team, worth approximately £5,000
• A Level 1 Academy of Cheese course and a year’s subscription, worth over £300

For more information on the Virtual Cheese Awards head to virtualcheeseawards.com