The 1st Canadian Cheesemonger Competition in Montreal!

Welcome to the unique biennial competition “The Best Canadian Cheesemonger“, which aims to celebrate this profession and highlight the best professional cheesemongers in the country. In partnership with the Dairy Farmers of Canada, the first edition in 2024 awarded Amélie Tendland from Fromagerie Laiterie Charlevoix (QC). As the grand winner of the national competition, she will have the pleasure of representing Canada on the international stage in September 2025 in Tours.

The “Best Canadian Cheesemonger 2026” competition will open for applications in the fall of 2025. Stay informed about the registration opening here. In 2025, the International Cheese Competition returns to Toronto, alternating with the national competition, providing an exceptional platform for Canadian cheese professionals.

5 Candidates | 1 Champion

PRESS RELEASE BE NOTIFIED WHEN 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS

2024 Grand Champion

Amélie Tendland - Fromagerie Laiterie Charlevoix Inc.

“I’m very proud to have taken part in and won this demanding competition, which put the spotlight on the magnificent profession of cheesemonger. It was an intense and highly formative experience. I am honoured – and humbled – to represent Canada next year at the Mondial du Fromage in Tours in France. I’ll be spending the next few months preparing for it with rigor and passion”

Six talented candidates will be selected to take part in a live competition on May 15, where they will be challenged to demonstrate mastery, creativity, and knowledge. The trials will include a blind tasting, a persuasive presentation before the jury, a knowledge test, and the creation of artistic cheese platters on the theme Cities of the World.

Get ready to discover incredible talent and dazzling cheese presentations. The winner of this captivating competition will have the honor of representing Canada at the Mondial du Fromage in Tours (France) in September 2025.

WHY PARTICIPATE ?

Yannick Achim

Jury President

A word from the president

“This competition represents a unique opportunity for cheesemongers to showcase their expertise and passion, while elevating the recognition of our profession among the broader food trades. In Canada, thanks to the creativity of artisan cheesemakers and the growing appetite of consumers for fine cheeses, the role of the cheesemonger continues to establish itself within this specialized sector of the food industry. We look forward to discovering the skills and originality of the candidates.”

Why participate ?

This unique opportunity allows you to showcase your talent and elevate yourself in the professional world of cheese. Join us for an event that promises to make a mark on the Canadian cheese industry.

Highlight your expertise

Demonstrate your expertise and passion for cheese by standing out among the very best in your field.

Expand your network

Build connections with professionals and industry experts, opening up new career opportunities.

Build your reputation

Increase your visibility and strengthen your position as a recognized expert in the cheese industry.

Prizes to Be Won

A Prestigious Title: Become the “Best Canadian Cheesemonger 2024 by SIAL” and gain recognition from both your peers and the public.
Extensive Media Visibility: Benefit from full SIAL promotion including social media, a press release, an interview on the SIAL Podcast with The Food Professor, and an article in Culture Cheese Magazine (US).
International Representation: Win a place to represent Canada at the Mondial du Fromage in Tours (France) in September 2025, with travel, accommodation, and registration fees fully covered.
Become a Judge at the 2026 Competition: Receive an invitation to serve as a judge at the Best Canadian Cheesemonger Competition 2026 at SIAL Montréal, further cementing your status as an industry expert.

These prizes not only symbolize your achievement in this competition but also affirm your position as a leader in the world of cheese. Join us for an event that promises to become a milestone in Canada’s cheesemaking industry.

JOIN NOW

Information for Participants

Competition Schedule

Competition Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
Announcement of Shortlisted Candidates: April 18, 2024

Admission Criteria

Eligible Candidates:

All professional Cheesemongers based in Canada, 18 years of age and older.

Required Documents:

Your Curriculum Vitae
A photo in JPEG format (minimum 300 KB)
A short text (minimum 350 words / maximum 500 words) explaining your motivation to participate
Credit card payment of $300 for the registration fee

IMPORTANT:

Applications submitted will be subject to approval by the organizers for participation in the national sele

Challenges

Labeling is mandatory and must indicate the product designation (name of the cheese and its origin). Labeling materials must be provided by the candidate.

Plates, small containers, presentations

Scoring

Qualité organoleptique ou Qualité sensorielle ? : Approbation du jury sur le fromage dégusté (5 pts)

Questionnaire : 20 minutes – 20 points

1 point par bonne réponse.

Partners of the 2024 edition

Highlights from the 2024 Competition!

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