The International Cheese and Dairy Awards 2021 Highlight Field Reports
In the world of cheese, where location and price can surprise as much as flavor, the 2021 International Cheese and Dairy Awards in Nantwich, United Kingdom, showcased that a premium product can win big while staying affordable. Mercadona’s gold medal winner was Old Sheep’s Cheese La Reserva, a distinctive cheese priced at 3.69 euros. The victory demonstrates that top quality can meet consumer budgets, giving shoppers a chance to enjoy exceptional dairy without stretching finances.
Old Sheep’s Cheese La Reserva is made from raw sheep’s milk and is produced without pasteurization. This production choice appeals to fans of traditional cheesemaking and the unique character raw milk can lend to a cheese. From a consumer perspective, the cheese presents itself as a wholesome option within a balanced diet, with a fat content around 39 grams per 100 grams and a modest sugar level of about 0.5 grams per serving. These traits place it among dairy products that fit into everyday menus, especially for shoppers seeking taste together with value.
The Nantwich recognition did not stand alone. La Reserva’s win was part of a broader celebration of Mercadona’s dairy range, with other cheeses earning commendations in separate categories. The event highlighted the retailer’s commitment to quality across its cheese portfolio, including varieties such as Reserva Tostado Viejo and Mezcla Curado, which achieved strong placements in their divisions at international competitions. The accolades reflect the producer’s ability to balance traditional techniques with market expectations, delivering products that resonate with connoisseurs and casual shoppers alike.
Within the awards framework, La Reserva stood out in a category for sheep milk cheeses produced outside the United Kingdom. Judges noted the traditional approach and the distinctive profile derived from raw milk while evaluating it against other regional cheeses. The emphasis on sheep milk also points to growing interest in specialty milks and their capacity to offer diverse flavors and textures to cheese lovers around the world.
Beyond La Reserva, the competition confirmed Mercadona’s broader impact on the dairy scene. The awards signal that well-made cheeses with clear provenance can compete on an international stage, proving that value and quality can go hand in hand. Shoppers across Canada and the United States can relate to these stories, reflecting a trend toward regional specialties that blend traditional craft with accessible pricing. The results encourage people to explore similar products that emphasize age, texture, and the nuanced character that raw-milk cheese can deliver.
Overall, the 2021 awards reminded critics and fans alike that excellence in dairy comes from careful sourcing, traditional methods, and thoughtful aging processes. La Reserva and its peers demonstrate how attention to milk quality, regional standards, and the art of maturation can create memorable cheese experiences. For followers of international cheese awards, Nantwich remains a benchmark for comparing regional approaches and understanding how retailers like Mercadona help bring high-end flavors to everyday shoppers without sacrificing affordability.
In addition to La Reserva, the event recognized several Mercadona cheeses for their performance in global competitions. The awards underscored the retailer’s ongoing commitment to offering a diverse lineup that appeals to a wide audience, from flavor purists seeking complex profiles to casual buyers who value reliability and consistency. The broader takeaway is clear: premium cheese can be accessible and proudly representative of its craft, a message that resonates with cheese enthusiasts in North America and beyond. The moment’s legacy is a reminder that good cheese travels well and that taste, tradition, and value can converge in a single, memorable bite. [citation: International Cheese and Dairy Awards records, Nantwich 2021, judged results; attribution to the National Sheep Association and event organizers].