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Lactalis McLelland takes 8 gold medals at the 2007 World Cheese Awards

Training Investment Key To Growth!Lactalis McLelland, one of Europe's largest dairy companies, is celebrating the success of its recently launched Seriously® Vintage cheddar and a range of continental cheeses at this year's World Cheese Awards. The competition saw around 120 cheese specialists assembled at London's Olympia to pass judgment on almost 2,000 cheeses in the space of a day. In a four-stage process, the judges first selected which cheeses were worthy of gold, silver and bronze awards on the basis of texture, aroma, appearance and taste. A supreme jury of 13 international experts then re-tasted the gold-winning cheeses, producing first a 'long list' and then, after a further tasting, a short list of cheeses considered the best of their kind in the world. The following cheeses from Lactalis McLelland were awarded prestigious Gold medals at the Awards: • Président Palet de Chèvre was voted the best 'soft goat's milk cheese'. It is a creamy and smooth cheese with a round shape and is a must for goat's cheese lovers. • Lanquetot Brin de Paille was voted the best 'mould-ripened soft cow's milk cheese'. Originating from Pays d'Auge in the lush green region of Normandy, Brin de Paille is made with hand ladled milk and has a distinctively fresh mild taste with a delicious creamy centre. • Président Brie de Caractère won Gold in the 'Brie made from pasteurised milk' category and is a full-flavoured lactic 'maturing' cheese that is always ready to eat. Its core is not completely dry or chalky, and becomes even creamier with time. • Président Bleu d'Auvergne was voted the best 'blue-veined cheese made outside of the UK with a natural rind' and is a full-flavoured blue cheese with a spicy note. It is a native of the Auvergne region in France. • Société Abeille Roquefort won the gold medal in the 'best blue-veined cheese made outside of the UK, foil wrapped' and is made in the Abeilles cave, which was first used in the 17th century, where the temperature is between 7ºC and 13ºC. The taste of this Roquefort is refined and deliciously strong. • Galbani Santa Lucia Mozzarella Light was awarded Gold in the 'reduced fat cheese unpressed' category and has a full, fresh and distinct flavour with only a 9% fat content. Santa Lucia mozzarella light is ideal as part of a healthy and balanced diet, or enjoyed on its own or as a substitution for standard mozzarella in your recipes. The nutritional characteristics of Santa Lucia mozzarella light make it a delicate but tasty product. • Seriously Vintage cheddar was voted the best 'vintage cheddar made in a creamery' and has received rave reviews from cheese experts since its launch last year. The latest cheddar to be launched in the Seriously® range, it has a beautifully rich flavour and is ideal for the cheeseboard. www.mclelland.co.uk www.president.uk.com