We’re thrilled to announce that our very own cheesemonger, Dom Jones, has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2024 award! 🧀🙌

Dominic was chosen from hundreds of entries submitted from across the world. The competition was fierce, with some of the finest young cheesemongers vying for a spot in the final. After a rigorous selection process, only six finalists remain, and Dominic is one of them! His dedication to cheesemongering, deep knowledge of cheese, and passion for the craft have earned him this well-deserved recognition.

Meet the Finalists

Dom will be competing against an impressive group of young cheesemongers, each bringing their own unique expertise and passion for cheese to the table. The finalists include:

• Mia Crouch from Supercheese in Victoria, Australia
• Daniel Iliev from Paxton & Whitfield, London, UK
• Orla Jackson from Neal's Yard Dairy, London, UK
• Lily Jenkins from Hill Street in Hobart, Tasmania
• Jack Welch from The Pangbourne Cheese Shop, Berkshire, UK
• Dom Jones from Rennet & Rind, Cambridgeshire, UK

Each finalist has proven their talent, and we know the competition will be tough. But with Dominic representing us, we’re confident he’ll rise to the occasion and give it his all!

What’s Next for Dominic?

Dom will head to Portugal to compete at the **World Cheese Awards** on **15th November**. There, he’ll face off in five tough rounds, including:

• A Perfect Pairing challenge, where he'll have to perfectly match cheese with accompaniments
• The fast-paced cut and wrap round
• The rapid-fire cheese knowledge quiz, also known as "MasterRind"

To have made it this far in the competition is already a huge achievement, but we have no doubt that Dominic’s skills and passion will shine even brighter on the world stage.

Perry’s Role as Judge

Now, I (Perry) happen to be in Portugal too – not just because I love cheese (although I do), but because I’m a judge at the **World Cheese Awards** this year! It’s a real privilege to be amongst the judges for such a prestigious event and, as fate would have it, I’ll also be there for the **Young Cheesemonger of the Year** competition.

While I can't exactly be waving pom-poms from the sidelines, you can be sure I'll be cheering Dominic on in spirit as he competes against the other talented finalists. It’s going to be an exciting time, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

Follow Dominic’s Journey!

Want to cheer Dominic on from home? We’ll be sharing live updates and behind-the-scenes insights on our social media as he competes in Portugal. Keep an eye out for news, stories, and maybe even a few cheesy puns as the competition heats up:

Send Dominic your best wishes, puns, and support as he represents Rennet & Rind on this global stage. It's an incredible moment for him and for all of us who share a love of cheese. Let’s all root for him to bring home the title!