Four major Irish retailers took home honours at the 2024 Irish Cheese Awards, hosted by CÁIS, the Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers.
The prestigious ceremony took place at Kilshane House, in Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday 24 April.
Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Aldi and Sheridan’s Cheesemongers claimed honours on the night.
Thirteen judges named winners across 17 categories, culminating in one winner as this year’s Supreme Champion.
This came after a rigorous process in which judges tested 175 different cheeses produced by 43 businesses across Ireland.
Judging involved scoring each cheese on aroma, flavour, body, texture, and overall appearance.
The Winners
Dunnes Stores’ Simply Better was the big winner on the day, taking home five prizes – a gold, two silvers, and two bronzes – for its selection of cheeses.
The retailer dominated the ‘Semi-Hard/Hard Cheese’ category, winning gold for its Irish Farmhouse Killeen Goat’s Cheese.
It won silver for its Irish Farmhouse Collea Mature Cheese and bronze for its Irish Farmhouse Cáis Na Tíre Cheese.
Dunnes also won silver with its Irish Cáis Óir Grilling Cheese – made by the Proper Dairy Company – in the ‘Exclusive Cheese’ category.
It claimed its final prize – bronze – with its Extra-Mature Drinagh Cheddar Cheese, in the ‘Cheddars Retail & Creamery’ category.
SuperValu Signature Tastes claimed gold with its Vintage Red Cheddar, silver for its Gubbeen Cheese, and bronze for its Gortnamona Cheese.
Aldi Specially Selected’s Cashel Blue Cheese won in the ‘Soft/Semi-Soft Cheese’ category.
Aldi Ardagh Additions won silver for its Black Pepper Flavoured Cheddar Cheese Slices in the ‘Cheddars Retail & Creamery’ category.
Sheridan’s Cheesemongers claimed the title of overall winner with its Drunken Saint Cheese, and it took a bronze award for its Bookers Vintage.
Lidl also received a special mention for cheeses, as the retailer entered a number of categories.
‘Ignite Innovation’
Speaking about the event, the chair of CÁIS, Tom Dineen of Bó Rua Farm, said, “Celebrating excellence at the Irish Cheese Awards not only honours our rich heritage, but also propels us towards a vibrant future.
“By acknowledging and commending the dedication of individual cheesemakers, these awards ignite innovation, enhance standards, and nurture a thriving community of Irish cheesemakers.
“Together, we are forging a legacy of quality and sustainability, securing the lasting success of Irish farmhouse cheesemaking for generations to come.”
The awards were sponsored by Bord Bia, the Traditional Cheese Co., Sysco, Ornua, and Horgan’s Delicatessen Supplies.
The event was supported by Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, Teagasc, and Irish Cheese Direct.
The full list of winners is available to view on the CÁIS website: www.irishcheese.ie.
