Here is the cheese that has just been crowned the best in the world in 2024: no, it’s not French

Every year, various culinary competitions take place across the globe. Recently, cheese lovers were in uproar at the announcement of the best cheese specialty in the world. In 2024, the surprise is total: while French cheeses are popular internationally, the winner ultimately does not come from France. This prestigious title was awarded during the World Cheese Awardsa British event that brings together experts from around the world.

Last year, Norway won this incredible distinction. Today, it is Portugal’s turn to be highlighted through this competition. While this country was the lucky organizer of this new edition of the World Cheese Awards, it had the chance to win first place in the ranking. During the competition, many cheeses were scrutinized and in 2024, it is le Buttery Sheep Cheese who was elected “best cheese in the world”. The latter is made from sheep’s milk. He is both “very balanced” et “voluptuous”explains Manuel Maia, Portuguese cheese exporter and member of the international jury. “It’s a sublime marriage of proteins and fats. It’s really a fantastic cheese,” he told CNN.

The World Cheese Awards are distinguished by their meticulous evaluation process. During the competition, 240 international experts, grouped in teams of two or three around tasting tables, judge each cheese on several criteria. They first assess the appearance of the cheese, its shape and rind, before moving on to the texture, which must be pleasant in the mouth. Next comes the smell and mouthfeel. Finally, the taste is analyzed for its complexity, its balance, and its capacity to surprise. With 4,786 cheeses in competition this year, the juries had the difficult task of deciding between specialties from the four corners of the globe, notably from Switzerland, Brazil, the United States, Norway, Italy, Germany and Spain, which all also received very good marks.