More news about outstanding U.S. cheesemakers! This time its the results of the 2007 World Cheese Awards, judged in London last week. Fiscalini Cheese Co., Modesto, Calif. had a major victory with their Bandage Wrapped Extra mature cheddar. Click here to see all of the results.
A variety of U.S. cheeses earned high praise — and medals — from judges at the World Cheese Awards in London last week. In all, 23 U.S. artisan cheese makers earned 42 medals —13 gold, 17 silver and 12 bronze. Winners were showcased at the International Food and Drink Exhibition, which attracts more than 25,000 trade buyers, retailers and restaurateurs.
The United States proved its strength in the cheddar and mozzarella categories, winning 14 medals between the two. Significantly, Bandage Wrapped Extra Mature, an aged cheddar from Fiscalini Cheese Co., Modesto, Calif., won the Wyke Farms Trophy for the show’s “Best Extra Mature Traditional Cheddar.”
“This is a major coup for Fiscalini. It is the first time ever that an overseas cheddar has won this class or trophy,” says Bob Farrand of the UK Cheese Guild, and chairman of the contest.
“To be able to go into Britain, where cheddar has been produced for hundreds of years, and claim top honors for U.S. cheddar, is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of our specialty-cheese artisans,” says Marc A.H. Beck, senior vice president of marketing for the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), one of the contest sponsors. “When cheese buyers from around the world see the accolades we receive year-after-year at this prestigious contest, they understand that U.S. cheese is as good or better than cheese produced anywhere.”
U.S. specialties, from blue to gouda to brie, also were recognized. Marin French Gold, a triple crème brie made by Marin French Cheese Co., Petaluma, Calif., won the U.S. Dairy Export Council Trophy as the “Best U.S. Cows’ Milk Cheese.”