CONTINUING this year’s winning streak, Newton St Cyres cheesemakers, Quicke’s, have had a triple triumph at the International Cheese Awards (ICA) 2016, winning two Gold medals and one Silver.

Adding to the excitement, the Guild of Fine Food has announced its annual Great Taste stars – with two of Quicke’s cheeses receiving two stars, and four more receiving one star.

With more than 5,000 entries, the International Cheese Awards are the world’s largest celebration of outstanding cheese – it is a real triumph for artisan producers to be recognised internationally.

Organised by Nantwich Agricultural Society, ICA is one of the biggest cheese events in the world. Established in 1897, the annual awards take place at Dorfield Park, Nantwich.

On Tuesday, July 26, more than 200 experts judged the record-breaking 5,000 entries.

Quicke’s Gold medal winners were Ewes’ Milk Cheese and Oak Smoked Cheddar, with the Silver medal going to Quicke’s Extra Mature Cheddar.

Additionally, the Great Taste Awards are an established benchmark for the speciality food and drink sector.

The sought-after Great Taste stars are awarded in acknowledgement of a product’s flavour and quality.

Quicke’s results were achieved with their Double Devonshire and Goats’ Milk Cheese receiving two stars. Their Vintage Cheddar, Elderflower Cheddar, Extra Mature Cheddar and Oak Smoked Cheddar each collected one star.

Tom Chatfield, sales and marketing manager at Quicke’s comments: “What a whirlwind week! The competition announcements have been back-to-back which has made it very exciting.

"There are always high expectations amongst the team because everyone at Quicke’s puts so much into making the best cheese they possibly can.

"Both ICA and Great Taste mean an awful lot to us. What’s interesting is that there has been recognition right across the range of Quicke’s cheeses. We create 11 varieties of clothbound cheeses, and it is fantastic that all flavours continue to be recognised as outstanding.

"In particular, our Oak Smoked Cheddar is having an extraordinary run at the moment. It also won the coveted title for ‘Best Dairy Product with Added Flavour’ at the Great Yorkshire Show. So there has been three big wins for Oak Smoked Cheddar within a month!”

Alan Quick