Speciality Food Magazine June 2024

34 @specialityfood C heese and dairy professionals from around the world are preparing to flock to Bingley Hall, Staffordshire County Showground for the latest installment of the International Cheese & Dairy Awards, an integral part of Love Cheese Live – one of the UK’s largest consumer cheese and food events – and a must-attend occasion for the industry. Taking place on 27th June 2024, the event will see over 5,500 cheeses from across the globe be judged by hundreds of cheese experts for a chance to win one of the cheese world’s most prestigious awards. The Best In Class award itself boasts a 125-year history, and alongside the other titles brings producers worldwide recognition as well as a boost in consumer sales. An update for 2024 As many within the cheese industry will know, the directors and committee of The International Cheese Awards decided to take on the awards from the Nantwich Show in 2020 during the outbreak of Covid-19. In order to retain the event’s must-visit position on the calendars of cheese fans and professionals, the teamworked with the help of industry volunteers to protect its heritage. The continuation of this iconic event is testament to the level of support received from sponsors, exhibitors and competition entrants. Established over 127 years ago, a new era beckons for the event. Now named The International Cheese & Dairy Expo and partnered with Dairy Industries International/Expo, the aim is for this to be the largest cheese and dairy show in Europe – grand plans the cheese and dairy industries are welcoming with open arms. This year’s event is set to be the best yet, with international entries increasing by 30% and cheese being sent from as far away as Australia, America and Canada. Plus, the retail element of the awards has seen impressive growth for 2024, with most UK retailers planning to attend and a significant increase in entries into the Retailer Awards. Love Cheese Live: a hub for cheese-loving consumers The ICDAs are held within the home of Love Cheese Live, which draws cheese enthusiasts from far and wide. Taking place 28th-29th June, it will showcase cooking inspiration, shopping and sampling opportunities, and at its centre will be demonstrations from an impressive line-up of chefs and experts. This year that includes James Martin, with Strictly Come Dancing Star AJ Pritchard wowing attendees with his dancing prowess in the Collier Ballroom on-site. INTERNATIONAL CHEESE&DAIRY EXPO 2024 The time has come for this year’s edition of the iconic event which is passionate about celebrating the best of the world’s cheese and dairy