The year 2024 has been one of triumph for Caws Teifi, as we proudly took home the Gold Award at the Global Cheese Awards, held in Frome, Somerset. This prestigious accolade was awarded for our innovative Caws Teifi cheese with added Flavours, a product that beautifully showcases our commitment to both tradition and creativity. Alongside this golden victory, we also won Bronze for our Saval cheese, marking another proud moment in our journey of cheesemaking excellence.
A Brief History of the Global Cheese Awards
The Global Cheese Awards, one of the oldest and most respected cheese competitions in the world, has been a cornerstone of the international cheese community since its inception in 1861. Initially created to celebrate the skills of local cheesemakers, the competition has evolved over the decades to attract producers from all corners of the globe. Held as part of the Frome Agricultural and Cheese Show, the awards highlight the rich agricultural traditions of the UK while recognizing the art of cheesemaking at its highest level.
Each year, the Global Cheese Awards draw entries from small-scale artisanal producers to large commercial dairies, offering a diverse array of cheeses for a panel of seasoned judges to evaluate. The competition is known for its rigorous standards, making a win at this event a significant achievement for any cheesemaker. With categories ranging from traditional cheddars to more experimental creations, the awards celebrate innovation, flavour, and quality.
For Caws Teifi, participating in these awards has always been about more than just competition—it’s about showcasing our deep-rooted passion for cheesemaking and the hard work that goes into every batch of cheese we produce.
The Gold-Winning Caws Teifi with Added Flavours
At Caws Teifi, we are known for our dedication to traditional cheesemaking techniques, but we are equally passionate about experimenting with new flavours and approaches. Our Caws Teifi cheese with added Flavours, which took home the Gold Award this year, is a perfect example of this balance between tradition and innovation.
Crafted from organic, raw milk sourced from local farms in West Wales, this particular cheese stands out not only for its smooth texture and rich, creamy base but also for the carefully selected Flavours that elevate its taste profile. By introducing natural ingredients like herbs, spices, and botanicals, we’ve created a cheese that offers a unique and delightful sensory experience. The added Flavours complement the cheese without overwhelming its natural, milky sweetness, resulting in a product that is both familiar and exciting.
Winning Gold in this category is a testament to the skill of our team, who have perfected the art of incorporating additional flavours into our cheese without compromising the quality and texture that Caws Teifi is known for. The judges at the Global Cheese Awards praised the balance of flavours and the innovative approach to cheesemaking that this product embodies. We are incredibly proud to have this recognition, as it affirms our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what cheese can be while staying true to our Welsh heritage.
Saval Cheese: A Bronze-Winning Creation
While our flavoured Caws Teifi cheese stole the spotlight with its Gold Award, our Saval cheese also garnered attention, winning Bronze in its category. The Saval is a soft, washed-rind cheese that has become a standout in our collection. Its earthy, savoury flavours develop beautifully as it matures, offering a depth and complexity that resonates with both cheese connoisseurs and casual cheese lovers alike.
The Saval cheese represents the same dedication to traditional methods that have defined Caws Teifi’s success over the years. Made from the same high-quality organic milk as our other cheeses, it carries a distinctive flavour that is both robust and nuanced. Winning a Bronze medal for this cheese is a recognition of the diverse range of flavours we offer and further cements our place among the world’s top cheesemakers.
The Importance of Flavour in Cheesemaking
For many, the idea of adding Flavours to cheese may seem like a modern trend, but in reality, cheesemakers have been experimenting with flavour-enhanced cheeses for centuries. Herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients were historically used not only to add flavour but also to preserve cheeses for longer periods. Today, flavoured cheeses are celebrated for their creativity and the way they allow cheesemakers to explore new frontiers of taste.
At Caws Teifi, we approach flavour experimentation with care and respect for the cheese itself. The key is always balance—ensuring that the added ingredients complement rather than overpower the core taste of the cheese. Our flavoured Caws Teifi cheese, which earned us the Gold Award, is a perfect representation of how natural ingredients can enhance the cheese’s flavour while still allowing its creamy, delicate character to shine through.
A Testament to Craftsmanship and Tradition
These awards serve as a testament to the passion, dedication, and hard work that go into every cheese we produce. Winning at the Global Cheese Awards is not just an honour for our team but also a celebration of the rich cheesemaking traditions that we carry forward with each wheel of cheese we produce.
The recognition of both our flavoured Caws Teifi and Saval cheese at such a prestigious event reinforces our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. We believe that great cheese is the result of respecting tradition while embracing new ideas, and these awards highlight the success of that philosophy.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Tradition of Excellence
The success at the Global Cheese Awards 2024 inspires us to keep striving for excellence in everything we do. While we are thrilled with the Gold and Bronze medals we have won this year, we view them as milestones on a much larger journey of exploration and growth. We remain committed to crafting the highest-quality cheeses, experimenting with new flavours, and ensuring that every product we create reflects the passion and care we pour into our work.
We extend our deepest thanks to our loyal customers, the farmers we work with, and our community, whose support makes moments like this possible. Without their trust and encouragement, we wouldn’t be able to push the boundaries of what cheesemaking can achieve.
As we look to the future, we invite everyone to try our award-winning Caws Teifi with added Flavours and Saval cheese. Each bite tells the story of our dedication to quality and our respect for the cheesemaking traditions that inspire us. We are excited to continue sharing our passion for cheese with the world and look forward to more award-winning moments in the years to come.
