Donna Garfield Dominates at 2024 Global Cheese Awards with Vegan Brie Triumph

Scott Mathias
Sep 13, 2024
2 min read

The 2024 Global Cheese Awards, held at the UK Frome & District Agricultural Society Show, has yet again celebrated the best of plant-based cheese innovations amongst a plethora of dairy cheeses. This year's competition was notable for its exciting entries and awards to several outstanding cheeses, highlighting the evolving expertise in vegan cheese-making.

Source: Mitch Lee - Judges hard at work in the 2024 Global Cheese Awards

In the "Everyday Cheese" category, Julienne Bruno took home the top prize with their "Cremata," noted for its super creamy texture that’s versatile for both sweet and savory applications. Following closely were Nush Foods with their "Almond Chive Spread," celebrated for its fresh chive-infused creamy almond base, and another win for Julienne Bruno with "Mozzafiore Pearls," praised for their innovative and pleasant texture.

Source: Mitch Lee - Mozzafiore Pearls - JULIENNE BRUNO®

The "Artisanal Cheese" category saw Donna Garfield shine, securing the gold with her "Cashew-Nut Not Brie With Truffle Oil," which has been lauded for its authentic rind and creamy texture that rivals traditional brie. Her "Cashew-Nut Vegan Blue" also impressed, earning a bronze award. Julienne Bruno's "Burrella" nestled in between with a silver, appreciated for its delicate and fresh qualities.

Donna Garfield's "Cashew-Nut Not Brie With Truffle Oil" didn’t just win in its category but was also celebrated as the Best in Plant-Based Category, rewarding her mastery in crafting fine vegan cheeses. On hearing the results Donna Garfield felt honoured. "I am thrilled and humbled by the recognition especially amongst a great lineup of UK Vegan cheeses", says Donna Garfield.

Mitch Lee, one of the judges and Head of Sales at La Fauxmagerie (UK), commended the overall quality. "The taste, quality & clean ingredients deck make for some truly outstanding cheeses. The Brie was a testament to how good vegan cheese can be - a great authentic rind, creamy texture & balanced flavour", says Mitch Lee.

Source: Mitch Lee - Donna Garfield's Cashew-Nut Not Brie With Truffle Oil Best in Plant-Based Category.

Another judge, Fay Hasnip, from UK supermarket chain Tesco, also provided valuable insights that helped guide the results, ensuring a fair and rewarding competition for the 21 plant-based entrants in the 'dairy heavy' awards.

This year's event not only highlighted the craftmanship in vegan cheese-making but also confirmed the potential of plant-based alternatives in traditional dairy categories.

The Global Cheese Awards continue to provide a prestigious platform for showcasing the latest and best offerings from cheese producers globally, focusing on innovation and quality in the plant-based vegan sector.

Thanks to Mitch Lee for providing the underlying narrative to this story.

For the full list of winners RESULTS HERE.

ENDS:

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