According to the organisers of the events, described as the “Oscars” of the cheese world, thousands of cheeses from more than 60 countries on four continents will be at the event.

“There are at least 4,500 cheeses in the competition, the record is 4,560 and we really want to beat this record and, therefore, I appeal to producers to participate and there are 250 international juries”, announced Bruno Costa from the WCA.

The juries are “an important point because they are global buyers, they are cheese traders, they are responsible for large food distribution chains in the world”.

“It is essential that our cheeses can be evaluated by this jury as a gateway for future exports”, highlighted Bruno Costa, who said that, this year, there are 35 Portuguese jurors, “the largest delegation ever”.

Another wish he left behind was to have “at least 100 producers in the competition”, since “it never happened to reach that number in a WCA and it would be great to put more than 100 at the centre of 4,500 cheeses that are the best of the best”.

Registration to participate in the event takes place between June 13th and September 16th and is done online, through the global event page.

150 journalists from 60 countries such as Japan, South Korea, the United States of America and Brazil have already been confirmed for the event, “from four continents, which is a great opportunity to show the Central region and cheese to the world”.

The competition is scheduled for November 15th, although journalists will be present in Viseu from the 11th, and on the 16th and 17th the Pavilhão Multiúsos in Viseu opens its doors to the community to “share the best in the world” in the cheese sector.

“This event is for 100% artisanal production. We will not accept products made in a factory and it does not matter whether or not it is from the designated region. It’s artisanal and you can participate”, highlighted Carlos Costa.

Of the 100 tables that will be at the event, with around 45 cheeses each, “the best 100 will be chosen, one from each table, from which the 16 ‘super gold’ will be extracted and from where the best cheese in the world will come”.

In addition to cheese, he announced, wine, sausages, and sweets will also be present, sectors in which Carlos Costa calls for “great participation” because the event is also an “opportunity to publicise” this artisanal product.