Dairy Farmers of Canada announced today the finalists for the eighth installment of the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix, which received a record number of entries. Cheese makers from British Columbia to PEI submitted 225 cheeses in 19 different categories in the prestigious cheese competition. A panel of top Canadian food industry expertsgathered in Montreal for a closed door session on February 16th and 17th and selected 58 finalists that truly exemplify the world-class cheese being produced in Canada.
The Canadian Cheese Grand Prix is sponsored and hosted every two years by Dairy Farmers of Canada, celebrating the high quality, versatility and great taste of Canadian cheese made from 100% Canadian milk.
“Canadian cheese makers from coast-to-coast are producing top quality, impressive cheeses,” said Phil Bélanger, Canadian Cheese Grand Prix jury chairman. “The diversity we saw within the 19 categories really showcases how evolved this craft has become in Canada. From aged Cheddars to organic cheeses, cheese makers from across Canada are taking it to the next level and are the envy of other cheese making nations.”
This year, a new category for “Fresh Cheese with Grilling Properties” was added in which cheeses were judged both in their natural form and grilled.
The category champions and Grand Champion will be unveiled at the 2013 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix Gala of Champions at Montreal’s Hyatt Regency Hotel on April 18th.
Judging Process
The jury members had the envious challenge of tasting all 225 cheeses and naming three finalists in each category. Tasting began with the milder cheeses and progressed to the more full-bodied varieties.
Jury members carefully observed, touched, smelled, and tasted each cheese and evaluated them based on very specific criteria including flavour, texture and body, colour, appearance, and salt content.
About the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix
The Canadian Cheese Grand Prix began in 1998 to promote achievement and innovation in cheese making and to increase appreciation for fine quality Canadian cheese. The competition celebrates the proud tradition of the diverse cheeses made in Canada ranging from Gouda to Blue cheese.
All eligible cheeses must be produced in Canada, bear the 100% Canadian Milk symbol on their packaging and be available at retail.
To see the finalists and more information about the contest click here
Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada