British Cheese Board Rewards Industry Dedication: 02/06/2008

British Cheese Board Rewards Industry Dedication

The British Cheese Board has presented Bob Farrand with its prestigious Bath & West Cheese Industry Award at this year's Show.

The annual award, which recognises outstanding contributions to the UK cheese industry in the areas of production, marketing, research or training, was presented to Bob on Wednesday 28 May.

"Bob's contribution to the cheese industry is considerable," says Nigel White, Secretary of the British Cheese Board. "His work in publishing, organising the World Cheese Awards and training has had a huge impact on the industry; he is an acknowledged cheese expert and a truly worthwhile winner of our award".

Bob grew up in North Dorset where at the age of 14 a holiday job in a local provisioner's shop was the start of a passion for cheese which lasted for almost 50 years. He spent 18 years in food publishing including spells in Food Manufacture and Catering magazine and since 1984 he has published his own magazine for delicatessens - Good Food Retailing which is now known as Fine Food Digest.

In 1988 Bob launched the London International Cheese Competition which subsequently became the World Cheese Awards and in 1990 he embarked on his involvement with training by setting up the UK Cheese Guild, a training organisation for cheese counter staff in supermarkets, food halls and independents. During this period he and his wife have trained close to 16,000 people.

Notes to editors

The Royal Bath and West Show runs from 28th May - 31st May 2008 and attracts over 150,000 visitors each year.

For further information please contact

Sarah Tadier on 0207 025 7554 or email: sarah.tadier@trimediauk.com

Sophie Sheridan on 0207 025 7518 or email: sophie.sheridan@trimediauk.com

For more information about British Cheese and the British Cheese Board please visit www.britishcheese.com