It’s official, Dewlay Cheesemakers have been crowned the best Lancashire cheesemaker in the world after scooping up the top awards for its Lancashire cheese at this year’s International Cheese Awards.
Winning gold for its Crumbly, Creamy and Tasty Lancashire cheese in both the traditional and the block cheese classes, Dewlay Cheesemakers then went on to win a handful of trophies.
Scooping an impressive 11 gold medals, six silvers and four bronze medals, the Garstang-based cheesemakers then won five coveted trophies, including Champion Farmhouse Lancashire Cheese and Champion Block Lancashire.
“This is the best medal haul we have had at the International Cheese Awards,” enthused Dewlay’s managing director Nick Kenyon.
“To sweep the board picking up gold medals for our Creamy, Crumbly and Tasty Lancashire in all six classes against some tough competition is a first, not just for us but for any cheesemaker in these classes. It is testament to our mantra that quality is key,” added Nick.
Held as part of the Nantwich Show, the International Cheese Awards are seen as the Oscars of the cheese industry. With over 5200 cheeses entered and 200 expert judges deciding on the winners, Dewlay Cheesemakers were keen to fly the flag for quality Lancashire cheese.
As well as picking up awards for its Lancashire cheese, Dewlay also won gold for its Red Leicester, Cheshire, Derby cheese and Caerphilly, showing the company’s versatility and wide range of cheese it produces.
Dewlay’s Cheese Shop also entered the hotly contested Best Cheeseboard Display, which saw it win the Trophy for the Best Cheeseboard for the third year running.
“Not only do we make great cheese, but with our Cheese Shop we know what works on a cheese board. We offer advice to customers who may be having a dinner party and are unsure on what cheese to display and how to serve it,” says Dewlay’s Laura Barnes.
“Winning the trophy for the best cheeseboard display really does cements our position as experts in offering cheese advice.”
Other trophies Dewlay won at the event include the trophy for Supreme Cheshire Cheese and a trophy for Best Crumbly Territorial Cheese in show.
Producing over 2000 tonnes of cheese a year, the family run firm is proud to win these accolades, and to be recognised for its quality product.
“We’ve been producing quality cheese since 1957, and after celebrating our diamond anniversary last year with a visit by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, winning these awards is a great start to another successful 60 years,” added Nick.
