Long Clawson Dairy is proud to announce an extraordinary achievement at the 2025 International Cheese & Dairy Awards (ICDA), where the company was honoured with six prestigious trophies, reaffirming its position at the forefront of British cheesemaking.
Held annually, the International Cheese & Dairy Awards is one of the world’s most respected and long-standing cheese competitions, attracting thousands of entries from artisan and commercial producers across the globe. Judged by industry experts, the awards celebrate technical excellence, taste, and innovation in dairy production.
At this year’s event, Long Clawson Dairy was recognised for its outstanding Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue cheeses—both of which have become benchmarks for quality and flavour in British blue cheese.
“We are absolutely delighted to have received six prestigious trophies at this year’s International Cheese & Dairy Awards,” said MD, Bill Mathieson for Long Clawson Dairy. “It’s a tremendous recognition of the skill, care, and dedication that goes into crafting our Blue Stilton and Shropshire Blue – cheeses that represent not just our dairy and our farmers, but the best of British cheesemaking. I’m incredibly proud of our entire team at Long Clawson. We’d also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Belton Farms for being named Supreme Champion with their outstanding Cheshire Cheese – a truly well-deserved honour.”
Trophy Wins for Long Clawson Dairy at the 2025 ICDA:
- Best Whole Blue Stilton
- Best Two Halves Mature Blue Stilton
- Champion Stilton Cheese
- Best Other Blue Veined Cheese (Shropshire Blue)
- Best Vegetarian Cheese (Shropshire Blue)
- Champion Past Master (Shropshire Blue)
These accolades not only highlight the dairy’s expertise in producing traditional blue cheeses but also celebrate the continued innovation and commitment to excellence by its dedicated team and local farming partners.
About Long Clawson Dairy
Long Clawson started making cheese in 1912, formed by a farming cooperative of 12 farmers, some generations of these farmers still a part of the business today. Today, 30 farms supply milk and are all located within 30 miles of the dairy.
About the International Cheese & Dairy Awards
Founded in 1897, the ICDA is one of the oldest and most esteemed cheese and dairy shows in the world. Hosted annually, it draws thousands of entries from over 30 countries and is judged by a panel of expert cheesemakers, buyers, retailers, and chefs.
Previous Award-Winning Excellence – 2024 International Cheese & Dairy Awards:
- Supreme Champion – Blue Stilton
- Gold – two categories, Blue Stilton
- Silver – three categories, Blue Stilton
- Bronze – Shropshire Blue and Rutland Red
- Gold – White Stilton
- Gold – Flaming Pepper
- Silver – Cheddar Balsamic Onion
2024 British Cheese Awards:
- Territorial Champion & Gold – Rutland Red
- Gold – two categories, Shropshire Blue
- Silver – Blue Stilton
Previous Wins:
- Supreme Champion – ICDA 2022, Shropshire Blue
A World of Flavours
Clawson’s Stilton is a well-balanced cheese with a slightly salty back note and a creamy, smooth mouthfeel. It features a soft golden coat with blue veins radiating from the centre. Since 1912, the Long Clawson team of Master Cheesemakers have perfected the art of Stilton, adhering to a set of golden rules that ensure each cheese delivers exceptional flavour and creaminess.
