Entries are now open for its fourth awards which include four new territorial cheese classes for Creamery and Traditional White Crumbly, Creamery Double Gloucester and Traditional Single and Double Gloucester.

The British cheese industry is struggling with challenging economic conditions, rising costs and weakened consumer spending so to help the organisers have reduced the entry price from £45 to £39 per cheese. With only £29 per entry Earlybird price before 31^st January 2023 (use code EARLYBIRD23 on checkout)

The Virtual Cheese Awards is unique as it has pioneered an open, honest and transparent judging process which allows cheese makers to see their entries judged up close and personal live online.

Sarah de Wit, co-founder of Virtual Cheese Awards said: "The Virtual Cheese Awards is all about applauding the fantastic cheese we produce in our country and helping to make it famous. Our 2023 awards offers a terrific opportunity to British cheese producers to get feedback from the most experienced cheese experts in the country and win a chance to have their cheese promoted to more consumers.

"Historically cheese awards are judged behind closed doors with very little feedback given to the producer unless their produce has won an award. We have turned this out-dated judging process on its head to support ALL cheese entrants by offering specific feedback from respected experts and an enjoyable learning experience for consumers."

The LIVE final will be held on Wednesday 17^th May 2023 where the final cheeses will be judged live by a panel of esteemed cheese and dairy judges across a range of classes from Best British Blue, Best British Cheddar and Best Artisan cheese.

The 2022 Best of British Champion cheese was won by Keens Cheddars traditional raw milk extra mature cheddar. As a result of its award-win, it won a listing on Booths cheese counter, which helps to bring the cheese to even more consumers.

Keens Cheddar is made by James Keen and family using milk from their own herd of cows fed on the lush pasture around their Somerset farm. The clothbound cheddar is matured for at least 12 months giving it a rich creamy flavour.

The 2023 awards also include three Excellence Awards which celebrate the people behind the cheese; Young Cheesemaker, Cheese Hero and New Cheesemaker awards which are open to everyone to nominate their hero. There is also an award recognising Sustainability in the dairy industry which is sponsored by Wyke Farms.

Entries to the 2023 Virtual Cheese Awards are open now and close on 20^th March 2023. The live final will again be hosted by Nigel Barden and will take place on Wednesday 17th May 2023.

The Virtual Cheese Awards Best of British cheese prize includes:

·       Free editorial features and digital coverage in Great British Food magazine worth £1,500

·       Opportunity to have the winning cheese showcased at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair by the VCA team worth approximately £5,000

·       A Level 1 Academy of Cheese courses and a years subscription worth over £300

Sponsors, partners and friends of the Virtual Cheese Award 2023 are:

• Speciality Food Magazine -      Headline media partner
• Great British Food Magazine –      Headline media partner
• White Lake – Event Facilitation Partner
• Speciality & Fine Food Fair – Event Partner and sponsor of Best Speciality Cheese
• Wyke Farm - Trophy for Sustainability

Additional supporters

·       Academy of Cheese – Friend of the VCA and prize partner

·       Specialist Cheesemakers Association – Charity partner

·       Good Sense Research – Judging Officiation partner

For more information on the Virtual Cheese Awards log on to: www.virtualcheeseawards.com

For more information Keens Cheddar general store: www.locaji.co.uk/somerset/wincanton/keens-cheddar-ltd/382092/

Social pages:

·       Facebook - Virtual Cheese Awards

·       YouTube – Virtual Cheese Awards

·       Instagram - @Virtualcheeseawards

·       Twitter - @Virtualcheeseaw