Richard and Simon prove they are big cheeses with triple award win
A TRIO of cheeses have won a podium of medals at an international competition.
The Cheshire Cheese Company, which is run by Richard Buxton and Simon Spurrell from Sutton, has won gold, silver and bronze for three of their entries into the International Cheese Awards, which took place in Nantwich.
The Smokey Redwood won gold, Sticky Toffee Heaven scooped a top prize with silver award, and the Cheshire with Garlic and Chives impressed judges in the retail class and earned a bronze.
And it was a particularly successful year for the Smokey Redwood, which beat of competition from more than 4,000 cheeses to be named as one of just 12 cheeses to compete to become Supreme Champion, narrowly missing out on the title.
Richard Buxton, company director, said: “We’re really happy. Last year we got four silvers but we didn’t get gold.
“And to get to Master Class is raising it another level, we reached the final 12 out of 4,000 cheeses.”
He added: “It’s a great thing to be a part of, we keep going back because it’s good to be recognised. It’s the biggest cheese awards in the world.”
Dad-of-two Richard, 47, who lives on Tunnicliffe Road in Sutton, said the firm is now concentrating on its shops – The Cheese and Wine Emporium – at the Trafford Centre and Trenton Retail Village. The firm, which was first set up four years ago, now employs 15 full time staff, with up to 20 additional casual appointments during peak times.
He said: “We have just gone from strength to strength.
“We’ve opened up two shops and we got plans for more.
“So far they seem to be doing well – now it’s all about preparing for Christmas.”
The company’s cheeses are blended by a cheese maker who mixes Cheshire Cheese with flavours thought up by Richard.
For more information go to cheshirecheese company.co.uk.