Cordoba Hosts 38th World Cheese Awards
More than 5,000 cheeses from 45 countries will be judged in Spain as Scotland seeks its first world champion.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Food and Drink
The Guild of Fine Food opens the 38th World Cheese Awards in Cordoba, Spain, as part of the Andalucía-Gusto del Sur International Cheese Festival 2026. Judging of more than 5,000 cheeses from 45 countries by 270 experts begins November 12, 2026.
Why it matters
The competition is a major international benchmark for artisanal cheese producers, and Scotland has never produced a world champion in its 38-year history. Scottish entrants won six medals in 2025, and the country is hoping to claim its first world title this year.
Scotland has produced no world champion cheese in 38 years of the competition, while England has won 11 titles, France eight and Switzerland six since 1988. Last year's champion was Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial 18 Months from Switzerland, and the 2026 result remains unknown.
The players
The Guild of Fine Food
The Guild of Fine Food is a UK-based organization that runs the World Cheese Awards and promotes artisanal food producers internationally.
Errington Cheese
Errington Cheese is a Scottish producer based near Lanark whose Corra Linn won a Super Gold award at the 2025 competition.
The details
Judges work in teams of two or three in the first round, assessing the look, feel, smell and taste of each entry, with most points awarded for flavour and mouthfeel. The entire judging process is blind, with packaging and markings removed, and the top Super Gold cheeses are reassessed by a 14-member Super Jury to select the World Champion.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: Andalucía-Gusto del Sur festival and World Cheese Awards judging begin in Cordoba.
2025: Six Scottish cheeses won medals at the previous World Cheese Awards.
Legacy Record
The 2025 World Cheese Awards, where six Scottish entrants won medals, set the baseline for Scotland's 2026 bid for its first world champion. Scotland has never produced a world champion in the competition's 38 years.
Cheese lovers can follow the results as they are announced, and products from award-winning producers may become available at specialty retailers. Consumers planning to buy Scottish or other award-winning cheeses should check local stockists for availability.
The takeaway
Award recognition can raise the profile of small producers, so shoppers looking for new cheeses may find winners from the competition worth trying. Checking award listings can help identify high-quality options at local shops.
What happens next
Judging of more than 5,000 cheeses begins November 12, 2026, with winners to follow.
Further reading
Explore more Food and Drink stories on cheese, wine and culinary competitions around the world.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Express.
