On November 5, Portugal 's Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado, made by Quinta do Pomar, was named the World Champion Cheese. CNN
If you're tired of the same old cheddar, it might be time to try something new, like Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado. This soft, raw ewes' milk cheese was named the world’s best at the 2024 World Cheese Awards, held in Viseu, Portugal. The annual competition brought together 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries, making it the largest event of its kind since its start in 1988.
Among the thousands of cheeses competing, Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado stood out and emerged as the top winner. Produced by Quinta do Pomar, a small dairy farm in Soalheira, Portugal, the cheese was praised for its gooey, buttery texture, with a slight herby bitterness. The cheese is made with vegetarian rennet from thistles, giving it a unique flavor. Manuel Maia, a Portuguese cheese exporter, described it as "quite balanced" and "voluptuous," calling it a “really sublime match of protein and fat.”
The competition was fierce, with 14 finalists, including cheeses from Switzerland, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and other countries. Some of the Swiss cheeses, in particular, made a strong showing, but the Portuguese entry took home the top honors. The judging process was a spectacle, with 240 cheese experts from around the world assessing each entry based on appearance, texture, smell, taste, and mouthfeel. Each expert team selected four finalists in different categories, from bronze to super gold. The super gold winners then faced off to decide the overall champion.
The atmosphere at the event was intense, with thousands of cheeses lined up across 104 tables. The smells were described as "punchy" due to the large collection of cheeses at room temperature. Teams of judges worked through the cheeses, taking in their characteristics before narrowing down the best ones. It wasn’t just the cheeses from the host country, Portugal, that stood out; cheeses from various countries, including Colombia, Australia, and Ukraine, traveled to the event via 20 global collection points. However, it is not always the local products that win the top prize, as the judging is done blindly to ensure fairness.
This year, 4,786 cheeses from 47 different countries were gathered in Viseu, Portugal, for the competition. CNN
The World Cheese Awards, held annually in a different European country, is recognized as one of the most prestigious cheese competitions. It attracts a wide range of entries, from small artisanal producers to larger, more well-known manufacturers. The recognition is especially meaningful for small producers, who often rely on such awards to boost their sales and attract attention in a competitive market.
Last year, the title went to Nidelven Blå, a semi-solid blue cheese from Norway, and in 2022, Switzerland's Gruyère claimed the prize. This year, Portugal’s Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado joins the ranks of top winners. Organizers hope the event will eventually expand beyond Europe, celebrating the global cheese community even further.
For small cheese makers, winning an award like this can be a game-changer, offering both recognition and the potential for increased sales. As John Farrand, the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said, “Any award is important, especially for small producers,” helping them stay in business and continue to make their unique cheeses for the world to enjoy.
