Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ivanhoe Cheese is a finalist in the 9th Canadian Cheese Grand Prix.
The Extra Old Vintage Cheddar Cheese is a finalist in the Aged Cheddar, more than 3 years, category.
Cheese makers from British Columbia to PEI submitted 268 cheeses in 27 different categories in the esteemed cheese competition. A panel of Canadian food industry experts gathered in Montreal for a closed door session on February 21st and 22nd and selected 81 finalists. Each cheese was carefully observed, touched, smelled, and tasted by jury members, who evaluated them based on very specific criteria including flavour, texture and body, colour, appearance, finish, and salt content.
The Canadian Cheese Grand Prix is sponsored and hosted every two years by Dairy Farmers of Canada, celebrating the quality, versatility and taste of Canadian cheese made from 100% Canadian milk.
This year, nine new categories, including three individual Gouda categories based on cheese age and a stand-alone category for Smoked Cheese, were added to the competition.
The Category Champions and Grand Champion will be unveiled at the 2015 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix Gala of Champions at Toronto's Liberty Grand on April 22nd. Quote:
"Canadian cheese makers are expanding their repertoire and producing unique, highly impressive, top quality cheeses," said Phil Bélanger, Canadian Cheese Grand Prix jury chairman. "Given the growth and diversity we've seen over the years, we knew we needed to expand the submission categories this installment, to truly showcase how evolved this craft has become in Canada. With stunning, flavourful cheeses ranging from pasta filatas to extra-aged Goudas, cheese makers from coast-to-coast are making a name for themselves, both here in Canada and on the international stage."
