Judging at the ICDA Awards

The International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA) stand as one of the most authoritative industry benchmarks, celebrating excellence in cheese and dairy production for more than a century. With over 5,000 entries annually from more than 40 countries, ICDA provides a comprehensive snapshot of global trends, quality standards, and consumer preferences. While securing an ICDA accolade signifies product distinction, serving as a judge offers a strategic advantage for professionals across the supply chain. For buyers, category managers, and marketeers, participation in the judging process is a rare opportunity to refine expertise, strengthen industry networks, and position themselves at the forefront of dairy innovation.

Expanding Market Knowledge and Industry Insights

The global dairy market is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2030, driven by evolving consumer preferences, sustainability concerns, and technological advancements. Judging at the ICDA Awards provides professionals with a first-hand perspective on these shifts, offering an invaluable lens into product innovation and emerging consumer trends.

For buyers and category managers, exposure to thousands of products enables a comparative assessment of quality, texture, and flavour profiles. This real-time evaluation supports more informed sourcing decisions, ensuring alignment with consumer demand. Market data indicates that 72% of consumers consider quality certification an important factor in dairy purchases. Thus, recognising award-winning characteristics equips professionals with the ability to curate product ranges that meet both commercial objectives and consumer expectations.

For marketeers, this depth of exposure translates into actionable intelligence. Understanding the nuances that distinguish premium products from standard offerings allows for more compelling brand storytelling and differentiation in competitive retail environments. Recent studies show that dairy brands emphasising authenticity and craftsmanship have seen a 20% increase in consumer engagement. Judges gain critical insights into these brand-building factors, enabling more effective positioning strategies.

Strengthening Sensory and Technical Evaluation Skills

ICDA’s rigorous judging process enhances professional competencies in sensory evaluation. Judges develop an acute ability to distinguish subtle differences in flavour, aroma, mouthfeel, and maturity -  skill set highly relevant in procurement, category management, and marketing.

Even with extensive industry knowledge and refined palates, cheese evaluation remains a challenging task. Flavour is inherently subjective, influenced by cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and individual sensory perception. Two people tasting the same cheese may arrive at vastly different conclusions. One might detect deep umami richness, while another may focus on a hint of yeast or grassiness. 

That is why ICDA judges must not only master their understanding of cheese but also appreciate the diverse ways in which people - from Wisconsin to Osaka - experience flavour. Truly exceptional cheeses are often complex, much like fine wines, with layers of taste that evolve over time. The challenge lies in recognising these nuances while considering how different markets and consumers will perceive them. For example, what is described as "meaty" by one judge might be interpreted as "yeasty" by another, and the aroma of marjoram might evoke thoughts of pizza for some, while others associate it with freshly cut hay.

This subjectivity makes the ICDA judging panel’s global representation crucial. By drawing expertise from around the world, the awards ensure that evaluations reflect a broad spectrum of consumer preferences, making winning products more relevant to international markets.

These skills are been further enhanced this year with the introduction of judging masterclasses run by the Academy of Cheese, these sessions will provide attendees an introduction to the world of cheese judging.

Expanding Professional Networks and Market Influence

ICDA judges join an elite group of industry experts, including master cheesemakers, senior buyers, category specialists, and food scientists. The opportunity to collaborate with such professionals fosters invaluable networking and strategic partnerships.

Retail trends indicate that brands with strong supply chain relationships and direct engagement with producers experience higher efficiency in product development and market responsiveness. For buyers and category managers, direct access to producers allows for early insight into upcoming product launches, exclusive supply agreements, and an enhanced ability to anticipate category shifts.

For marketeers, engagement with top-tier dairy professionals provides access to authentic brand narratives and technical expertise, which can be leveraged in consumer education and promotional strategies. Moreover, professional credibility is heightened - judges are often seen as thought leaders, lending authority to their organisations and career trajectories.

Driving Industry Standards and Shaping the Future

As the world's leading awards the ICDA Awards serve as a custodian of quality benchmarks within the global dairy sector. Judges play a direct role in upholding and advancing these standards, ensuring that only the finest products receive recognition. Their evaluations influence the industry’s collective understanding of excellence, guiding manufacturers toward product refinement and continuous improvement.

Moreover, as sustainability and ethical sourcing become central to consumer decision-making - 60% of consumers now prioritise sustainably produced dairy - judges are well-positioned to contribute to these conversations. Their insights help shape industry narratives, influence procurement policies, and encourage innovation in sustainable dairy production.

Conclusion: A Future-Oriented Perspective

Participating in the ICDA judging panel is more than a professional milestone; it is a strategic investment in long-term industry leadership. For buyers, category managers, and marketeers, it offers a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge product innovations, refine critical skills, and strengthen professional influence within the sector. As the dairy industry continues to evolve - driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological advancements, and sustainability imperatives - judging at ICDA ensures that professionals remain at the forefront of these transformations.

The future of dairy is one of innovation, differentiation, and quality excellence. Those who actively participate in shaping these standards through ICDA will be best positioned to navigate and capitalise on emerging opportunities. For professionals committed to staying ahead in this dynamic landscape, judging at the ICDA Awards is not just an accolade - it is a strategic career advantage.