Black River a big cheese at Grand Prix

The Black River Cheese Company Ltd. won its second major national award last week’s prestigious Canadian Cheese Grand Prix event in Montreal.

Its ‘5 Year Naturally Aged Cheddar’ won Canada’s Best Aged Cheddar in the 3 Year and Older category.  It’s the second national award in the past two years. In 2011, the Black River Cheese Company Ltd. entered the competition for the first time and won for the Best Mild Cheddar in Canada. A Medium Cheddar placed as a finalist at this event.

“We are thrilled once again to have garnered such an honour, especially considering the caliber of our fellow competitors from across Canada,” said Robin Ferguson, general manager. “As a small artisan cheese producer,  this type of recognition gives credence to our belief in maintaining the standards that company was founded upon 112 years ago – handcrafted cheese using only 100 per cent pure milk from Prince Edward County dairies.”

Every two years Canadian cheese makers compete in the Canadian Cheese Grand Prix, Canada’s premier cheese competition, for the honour of having produced the best cheese in their respective categories.  With just 19 cheese categories, the competition is fierce with 225 entries all vying for awards which are evaluated according the international world cheese standards.

Sponsored by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, entries are judged for flavour and texture by a panel of top Canadian food industry experts with the criteria that they must be made with 100 per cent pure Canadian milk and milk products.

Cheese lovers must attend the 3rd Annual Great Canadian Cheese Festival being hosted at Prince Edward County Fairgrounds June 1-2nd.