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MEET THE VIRTUAL CHEESE AWARDS JUDGES
The Virtual Cheese Awards has pulled together an esteemed collection of judges to give each cheesemaker or consumer valuable insight about each cheese. WE would like to thank them all for their time and dedication.
Perry Wakeman
JUDGE
RENNET & RIND
SALES DIRECTOR​
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Perry is a Certified MonS Affineur, working and studying under Hervé Mons, Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Artisan Craftsman of France), in the 9 MonS maturing cellars located in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. Perry currently holds the highest certification possible with the Academy of Cheese and is a regular contributor to the Academy's curriculum. He was asked to judge at the World Cheese Awards in Bergen, Norway in 2018 and again the following year in Bergamo as a Captain Judge.
Perry is ‘Head of Cheese’ at Rennet & Rind, responsible for maintaining the strong relationships we have with our British cheesemakers, regularly visiting them on the family farm to batch select our cheese. Perry also looks after our Rennet & Rind maturing room, using his expert knowledge to ensure every cheese that leaves us arrives to you at its very best.
Emma Young
JUDGE
THE CHEESE EXPLORER
CHEESE CONSULTANT​
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Emma Young is a Cheese Specialist from London in the UK. She has worked in the Cheese industry since 2009 as a Cheesemonger and Manager for Whole Foods Market UK, Cheesemaker at Gringa Dairy and Wholesale Manager for Mons Cheesemongers.
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Early on in her mongering career she spent every day off and opportunity possible visiting cheese makers and here permitted, making cheese with them all in the name of study. She has visited and made cheese with many British producers such as the likes of Joe Schneider at Stichelton Dairy, Jonny Crickmore at Fen Farm Dairy, Anne and Andy Wigmore at Village Maid, John Spencer at Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Irene & Jan Dirk Van de Voort making Remeker in the Netherlands, several small cheesemakers in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon and a whole variety of French producers including Isigny, Ferme du Port Aubry in the Loire and the Borel family in Provence to name but a few.
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She is quite partial to a beverage or three and has taken her Level 2 WSET as a foundation to embellish her love for pairing cheese and drink.
Alan Kirby
JUDGE
BOOTHS
CHEESE BUYER​
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Enjoying all foods and find cheese a really interesting category with fascinating back stories. I have worked for Booths' for over 35 years the past 8-10 in Cheese. I dislike all things social media so it took some persuading to do this!
Ruth Holbrook
JUDGE
THE NEWT
RETAIL MANAGER​
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Ruth is currently Retail Manager of the shops at The Newt in Somerset. She started there last August and is making it her mission to put the cheese room in the farm shop firmly on the map.
Previous to The Newt, she worked at Paxton & Whitfield for six years, most recently as Head of Wholesale, but always had a hand in the practical side of cheesemongering. Ruth has judged at many cheese and fine food awards, including the Virtual Cheese Awards in its inaugural year. She’s very glad to have made the move out of London and back into the lush green pastures of Somerset with its wonderful cheese
Russell Haggata
JUDGE
MORRISONS
CHEESE TECHNICAL MANAGER​
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Over 30 years food and dairy experience, Cheese category technical manager @ WM Morrisons for over 14 years, studied cheese and dairy technology at college and university, worked in dairy industry including Davidstow and Eden vale
Chris Dawson
JUDGE
MARKS & SPENCER'S
CHEESE BUYER​
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I have been the Cheese buyer for M&S since January 2020, leading the Cheese Category transformation project,
as we modernise & expand the M&S cheese assortment to meet our customers growing cheese needs.
Previously I was a Specialist Cheese consultant for 6 months at M&S.
I was the Cheese Buyer at Waitrose from 2003 through to 2019 & have developed a real passion for all things cheese
and built an extensive cheese product knowledge & supplier relationships across the UK & Europe during this time.
My previous buying roles included Grocery & Non-Food at Waitrose.
Brownwen Percival
JUDGE
NEALS YARD DAIRY
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I work with a wide selection British and Irish cheeses but will try to be impartial!
Hero Hirsh
JUDGE
PAXTON & WHITFIELD
HEAD OF RETAIL​
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Hero Hirsh is Head of Retail for Paxton & Whitfield, cheesemongers to the Queen, where she has spent the last 13 years working with some of the best cheeses in the world. She is a regular judge at the World Cheese Awards and won their ‘Cheesemonger of the Year’ title in 2012.
She has been a training partner for the Academy of Cheese since its inception, delivering both level 1 and 2 courses to hundreds of delegates. She is also working with the Academy to create learning content for its upcoming level 3 and Master of Cheese qualification.
With a lifelong passion for food, and a background as a pastry chef in some of London’s Michelin star restaurants, Hero had the ideal foundations for a career running the cheese counters in one of the UK’s most prestigious cheesemongers.
Hero loves to talk about all things cheese and even started the UK’s first dedicated cheese podcast.
Sarah Miness
JUDGE
WAITROSE
PARTNER & BUYER ​
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Sarah has a wealth of experience in buying and product development. She has been a Waitrose buyer for the past eight years and in 2021 she joined the Waitrose Dairy Team as a Cheese Buyer. Sarah is currently the buyer for Waitrose's speciality, ingredient and Christmas cheese range - which includes the world-class Waitrose No 1 cheeses and those sold on its 221 cheese counters, which are sourced from 14 different countries across the globe and from all corners of the British Isles. Sarah has completed the renowned Academy of Cheese Level 1 & Level 2 Qualifications.
Tanny Gill
JUDGE
CLARKS SPECIALITY FOODS LTD
HEAD OF CHEESE & RETAIL ​
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Tanny Gill has been championing cheese in the UK since 2004, spreading his specialist knowledge to food and drink retailers and supporting great local cheese makers.
I’ve been involved in cheese in the UK since 2004, and there’s no doubt that consumer knowledge and the demand for good quality artisan cheese has grown exponentially during that time. Consumer’s are more aware and keen to support great quality local cheese makers, as well as the vast array of quality cheeses being made across the whole of the UK.
Terry Hudson
JUDGE
TERRY HUDSON CONSULTING
OWNER/DIRECTOR​
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Terry has worked in the dairy industry for nearly 50 years, most of that time in cheese. Starting on the shop floor involved in manufacture of many different dairy products and attending Reaseheath Agricultural College he progressed up the management chain to head up the Technical Division in the largest cheese company in the UK.
During his career he has been lucky enough to travel to many countries around the world involved in manufacture, imports & exports. He is well known to most of the smaller and farmhouse makers in the UK. Terry regularly judges at Cheese Shows, several of which the Trophy winners and Supreme Champions, involving UK & overseas cheese.
Richard Newell
COLLATOR
RICHARD NEWELL CHEESE & DAIRY SERVICES LTD.
OWNER​
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Richard commenced his career in the dairy industry in 1982. He has since held posts in production, quality, technical sales & process engineering. Working for small artisan family run businesses right up to the largest fully automated businesses he has a wealth of experience on all aspects of cheese making & sales.
He has developed a cheese that is now sold in the premium retailers and has previously advised major retailers on sourcing. He now runs his own consultancy and is currently managing a new artisan sheep’s cheese dairy project. https://richardnewell.co.uk
Nicky Philp
JUDGE
HARVEY & BROCKLESS
PURCHASING DIRECTOR​
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I have worked with cheese for the last 30 years. Initially in my uncles deli & then was lucky enough to work with and visit many Cheese makers whilst working at Harvey & Brockless over the last 20 years.
James Grant
JUDGE
No2 POUND STREET
OWNER​
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James Grant is a restauranteur & academician of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. He is an educator at The Academy of Cheese. He is the owner of “No2 Pound Street” in the picturesque market town of Wendover, Bucks, which specialises in Boutique Wines, British Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie. His palate has been fine-tuned, and has been a World Cheese Judge since 2011. He also writes a monthly column on cheese in Speciality Food Magazine.
Deiniol ap Dafydd
JUDGE
BLAS AR FWYD
MD​
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Deiniol has opened Blas ar Fwyd in 1988 which promotes the very best in Welsh food and drink including a big focus on cheese.
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Blas ar Fwyd stocks Welsh food from over 150 producers - a range of Welsh food and drink second to none. Blas ar Fwyd also provides a distribution service for these producers, enabling them to reach a wide range of customers where otherwise it wouldn’t be economical for them to do so.
Deiniol has made goats' cheese for five years, judged at Welsh Winter Fare, Great Taste and True Taste (Welsh) many times and was judge at the World Cheese Awards 2022. He's also given tutored tastings of Welsh cheese for the last 25 years.
Charlie Turnbull
JUDGE
CHEESE EXPERT
TRAINER & BLOGGER​
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Charlie Turnbull is a cheese expert, trainer and blogger. He is a founding member of the Academy of Cheese, responsible the some of its core material, and teaches cheese courses in classroom and through online courses via his web portal charlieturnbull.com.
Charlie ran his own cheesemongers and bistro for fifteen years, works closely with the Guild of Fine Food including the World Cheese Awards, The International Cheese and Dairy Awards and judges ate other competitions such as the Concours Generale in Paris.
You can find Charlie at his regular online masterclasses where he shows the enjoyment knowing more about cheese can bring.
Ed Billens
JUDGE
& CAWS
OWNER​
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I started my cheese journey working as a Christmas temp at Neal’s Yard Dairy which is where I got the bug for working in cheese, I then worked for La Fromagerie starting in the Cheeseroom at the Marylebone branch before managing the Highbury branch for nearly a decade.
Me and family moved to Anglesey at the beginning of 2021 where we setup our own cheese shop
Nicola Beardmore
JUDGE
ORNUA FOODS
CHEESE GRADER​
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After a short time of starting as a deli supervisor, Nicola rocketed into the world of cheese awards back in 2017 starting as a finalist for Young Cheesemonger of the Year, then going on to judge the World Cheese Awards lasted that year. She’s since won Young Cheesemonger of the Year in 2018 and judged at the World Cheese Awards, British Cheese Awards, International Cheese Awards and is a familiar face at the Great Taste Awards judging sessions. She’s now a full time cheese grader and wishing to continue her cheese journey.
Simon Ferro
JUDGE
COURTYARD DAIRY
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Simon has been working in cheese since 2015 and has worked his way up at the Courtyard Dairy to become shop manager & head cheesemonger. Aspects of his role he really enjoys are cheese care and affinage, as well as driving and encouraging the team to be passionate about cheese and giving customer service.
He has previously judged at the world cheese awards, British cheese awards, and artisan cheese awards, & has just completed his level 2 course with the Academy of Cheese and is looking to commence level 3 soon.
His passion for food and drink isn't limited to cheese; he has previously been a chef (private for high court judges & worked at one of the leading hotels of the world in Cyprus), wine merchant, barista and been company director of his own small food business.
Stephen Fleming
JUDGE
GEORGE & JOSEPH​
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Stephen Fleming, the visionary behind George & Joseph Cheesemongers, established since 2012, is a certified Academy of Cheese trainer and a seasoned presenter. Known for his infectious enthusiasm for cheese, he has graced audiences from local community events to the national television stage. His experience as a cheese judge highlights his deep understanding and appreciation of cheese craftsmanship. Under his guidance, George & Joseph has grown into a multi-award-winning player in the artisan cheese market, celebrated for its commitment to quality and community engagement.
Cerri Cryer
JUDGE
BRINKWORTH DAIRY​
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Ceri Cryer, a Dairy Devotee and Luminary, directs Brinkworth Dairy, leading artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable farming practices. With roots in Wiltshire, she fosters a global passion for cheese.
Honored as Dairy Woman of the Year and Cream Awards Dairy Ambassador, Ceri epitomizes leadership and advocacy, inspiring others.
As a judge at the Global Cheese Award and International Cheese Awards, Ceri's palate and expertise offer insight into cheese craftsmanship. Her Guild of Cheese Grader graduate status underscores her commitment to excellence.
Ceri captivates audiences on programs like Countryfile, Escape to the Country, Sky News, BBC News, and My Life on a Plate, weaving stories of tradition, innovation, and stewardship.
In the cheese world, Ceri Cryer's journey is one of dedication, expertise, and a pursuit of excellence, leaving an indelible mark.
Paul Heasman
JUDGE
ROWCLIFFE​
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Paul started his Cheese journey in the now distant 1990’s when he took over as Cheese Buyer for Sainsbury’s. During this time, he became increasingly fascinated by the provenance of Cheese and in particular the stories of those who make it. This led to a move into the wholesale arena where he could collaborate more closely with producers and better champion their incredible products. This led to a phone call from Tim Rowcliffe inviting him to join his passionate team to look after suppliers and sourcing.
Paul’s passion has only increased over the years, and he thrives on constantly learning something new about the cheese world.
Will Chapman
JUDGE
NEAL'S YARD DAIRY
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'I grew up around dairy farming but my cheese career only started in earnest when I came to work for Neal’s Yard Dairy in November 2018. I’ve worked mostly in retail. For the past few years I’ve been managing our Covent Garden shop. But in January this year I moved to the Buying and QA department where I’m now the Quality Assurance coordinator. I deal with all things to do with food safety and also do a small amount of buying. Over the years I’ve been privileged enough to visit, and make cheese with, several dairies including Hafod, Stichelton, the Trethowan brothers and Westcombe.'