British Cheeses Unable to Compete at Awards

British cheesemakers faced disappointment at the World Cheese Awards in Portugal as their entries were delayed due to post-Brexit customs checks, leaving significant gaps where their cheeses should have been. Despite the participation of nearly 250 experts and the tasting of 4,786 cheeses, up to 252 entries from 67 UK makers were unable to compete. The event's director, John Farrand, noted that such delays 'would not have been a thing' before Brexit, highlighting the increased bureaucracy since the UK left the EU. Judge James Grant condemned the situation as 'devastating and sad', emphasizing the hard work of British cheesemakers who were deprived of a chance to showcase their artisan products. The best cheese of the event was awarded to a Portuguese sheep’s milk cheese, while British cheeses failed to secure a place in the top rankings, continuing a trend of disappointing results since their last win in 2017.