A fourth-generation family-run farm nestled in the Leicestershire countryside is celebrating a remarkable international triumph. Its artisan Red Leicester cheese, known as Sparkenhoe Red, has been officially recognised as one of the world's finest cheeses, achieving a prestigious Super Gold award at the 2025 World Cheese Awards.
A Global Achievement for Local Craftsmanship
Produced by the Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co at Sparkenhoe Farm, the cheese secured an impressive 11th place out of a staggering 5,200 entries from across the globe. This places it in an elite category, affirming its status among the planet's most exceptional dairy products. The awards, orchestrated by the Guild of Fine Food, represent the largest and most intensely competitive cheese competition internationally.
Judges' Verdict and Traditional Methods
A panel of expert judges conducted blind tastings over several days in Bern, Switzerland, to determine the winners. One judge, Jamie Montgomery, was particularly effusive, stating, “The cheese was so delicious I just could not stop eating it.” Another judge emphasised that Sparkenhoe Red deserved its recognition as a world-class cheese.
This acclaim is rooted in steadfast traditional methods. Sparkenhoe Red is England's sole unpasteurised Red Leicester cheese. It is crafted using time-honoured techniques, bound in muslin cloth, and matured for seven months on Beech shelves before being dispatched to buyers worldwide. This process yields a much-loved cheese with a rich, savoury, and nutty flavour profile, a stark contrast to mass-produced supermarket varieties.
Preserving Heritage and Passion
Atakan from Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co described the achievement as a “huge honour.” He elaborated, “A lot of love and care goes into our cheeses, and we are immensely proud to have been named as one of the world's best cheeses. This award not only shows that the quality of our cheese is among the best in the world, but it also shows the importance of preserving traditional, raw-milk British cheesemaking. We’re proud to play a part in keeping this heritage alive.”
The farm's journey is one of passion and revival. When they first produced Sparkenhoe Red, no farmhouse Red Leicester had been made in the county for half a century. “It’s been a huge passion of ours to recreate the original Red Leicester that was once treasured by so many,” Atakan added. “From every step, the cheese is made with real love and care. It’s been a huge honour to have it recognised on a global scale.”
Growing Popularity and Accolades
Sparkenhoe Red has garnered significant popularity since its launch, now sold internationally. Its quality has been consistently acknowledged, having also been named the Best Territorial Cheese at the British Artisan Cheese Awards in 2023. This latest global accolade further cements its reputation as a premium product.
The cheese is celebrated not just for its taste but also for its artisanal integrity. It stands as a testament to the dedication of the Clarke family, who operate the farm, and their commitment to producing cheese of exceptional quality through meticulous, heritage-driven processes.
