The Reiser Virtual Cheese Awards has announced that Tesco will offer its 2026 Supreme Champion the opportunity to be considered for ranging within Tesco stores*, creating a significant opportunity for British and Irish cheesemakers entering this year’s competition.
The winning cheese could be considered for local, regional or national ranging within Tesco, depending on the producer’s supply capability and Tesco’s standard technical and commercial processes.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the Reiser Virtual Cheese Awards, which was founded in 2020 to champion British cheesemaking through online judging and direct access to industry experts, buyers and retailers.
Now entering its seventh year, the awards continue to attract support from leading retailers and cheesemongers across the UK, with judges from Tesco, Paxton & Whitfield, Rennet & Rind, Fine Cheese Co, Neals Yard Dairy, Waitrose, M&S and Morrisons taking part in the 2026 competition.
Sarah de Wit, founder of the Virtual Cheese Awards, said: “One of the most important things these awards can do is create meaningful visibility for cheesemakers.
“We’ve seen producers secure new stockists, increase awareness and open important commercial conversations following the awards, so to have Tesco supporting the 2026 Supreme Champion with a potential ranging opportunity is incredibly exciting.
“It demonstrates genuine support for British and Irish cheesemaking and gives producers the opportunity to have their cheeses seen and discussed by people shaping the retail category at the highest level.”
Tesco has long supported British and Irish cheese through local sourcing initiatives across regional stores and its Grab & Go Speciality Cheese fixture, helping smaller producers reach wider audiences.
Kay Brennan, specialist technical & development manager for Tesco and a judge for the 2026 Virtual Cheese Awards, said: “The Virtual Cheese Awards provide an important platform for cheesemakers across Britain and Ireland. The live judging process gives producers visibility and showcases the craftsmanship, innovation and quality that exists within the industry.
“Tesco is proud to support British and Irish cheese producers, and we’re delighted to be involved in this year’s awards.”
The Virtual Cheese Awards recently announced a simplified format for 2026, reducing entry fees and restructuring classes to create more opportunities for producers to progress through the competition.
The class judging is taking place during May 2026 with all 22 class winners progressing directly to the Supreme Final, which will be streamed live online on Wednesday 17 June 2026.
The final judging session will be hosted by food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden and streamed via YouTube, Facebook Live and the Virtual Cheese Awards website, allowing producers and consumers to watch the judging process in full.
The 2025 Supreme Champion title was awarded to Cropwell Bishop Stilton, a handcrafted blue cheese produced in Nottinghamshire’s Vale of Belvoir.
