Ninety samples! The anniversary Cheese Festival started in Grodno with an expert independent tasting

As part of the 10th anniversary open Cheese Festival, organized by the Order of Labor Glory OJSC "Molochny Mir", a seminar was held on the topic "Topical issues in the field of technical regulation and labeling of dairy products in the EAEU."

“It’s a pleasure to host you again - for the 10th time, according to established tradition. I am absolutely sure that those professionals who are present in the hall today appreciate the opportunity to compare themselves and compare their achievements with their colleagues. Congratulations on our next meeting “, this is an opportunity to exchange information, exchange experiences, contacts, this is an opportunity for dialogue,” noted Marina Anikeeva, General DIRECTOR of OJSC “Molochny Mir” , welcoming the participants of the Cheese Festival .

The key event of the first day is the holding of a tasting competition. The best independent experts from all over the country give their assessment in a closed vote. 90 samples of cheese from 23 Belarusian enterprises were submitted to the competition.

"From year to year, the competition grows not only in participants, but also in cheese samples. The largest number of cheeses submitted to the competition are with fillings (not only with familiar mushrooms, paprika, onions, but also with exclusive additives - white truffle, taste of champagne, grapes, etc., and these are completely new types of cheeses).The experts have a hard jobevaluate samples not only by labeling and packaging, but also by color, texture and, most importantly, taste. The competition is unique. it allows not only to introduce consumers to new products, to the range of cheese-making products of the Belarusian dairy industry, but also is a motivating starting point: cheese-making technologists understand what they should strive for next, in what area to improve,” said the chairman of the central tasting commission, deputy HEAD of the main department Processing Industry of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of Belarus Maria Klimova.

Professional tasting requires high concentration - there should be no distractions. The taster begins to prepare his palates in advance, avoiding strong odors or dishes with strong flavors.

Sample evaluation involves four steps. The first is an external inspection. The taster examines the cheese and its rind, noting color and texture. Then he moves on to palpation. Presses on the surface and taps it lightly to determine the degree of consistency and elasticity, notes how the knife passes through the cheese.

At the third stage, the taster pays attention to the smell. Bring a freshly cut slice to your nose with absolutely clean hands or a fork and inhale the smell emanating from it. Taste testing is the final step. A small slice should be placed on the tongue and held there for a few seconds to feel all the halftones of the flavor palette.

Tomorrow at the Cheese Festival, which will unfold in the center of Grodno, every guest of the large-scale festival will be able to contribute to the selection of the best - as part of a public tasting. And also compare your choice with the verdict of independent experts, which will be announced tomorrow.

In the structure of exports of Belarusian dairy products, the share of cheeses is 44%. They are exported to 20 countries around the world, and more than 80% of the cheese produced is sold. “In Belarus, one person consumes 7 kg of cheese per year, but we produce 29.9 kg per year per person (3.6 times more than consumed). The range of cheeses 5 years ago was still 380 items. Now - 487 items, 67 of these are super-hard and hard cheeses , the ripening period of which reaches a year or more,” added Maria Klimova.

“The dairy industry is one of the most promising sectors in agriculture; it is extremely export-oriented. We produce a large supply of MILK for the domestic market (more than 2.5 times more than we can consume).

And we are among the top five global exporters of dairy products, in particular cheeses, milk, and whole milk products. Our products under the “Made in Belarus” brand are in demand all over the world and have proven themselves to be high quality products. We expand the geography of countries where our products are supplied every year. Now we are actively developing markets and selling products to African countries, countries of the Middle East, Asia, and the range of supplies to CHINA is expanding,” said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food of Belarus Vadim Shagoiko.

An important point for the consumer is packaging , by which he judges the quality of the product. “If 10-15 years ago not every consumer paid special attention to labeling, today everyone wants to buy, first of all, the most natural products - as experts say, with a clean label. So that there are no allergens, there are fewer food additives. Products " "Dairy World" is indeed as close to a clean label as possible. This is a requirement that is dictated by time, by our customers, and it is highly valued by our foreign partners, primarily the European Union, said Inna, head of the quality and standardization department of Molochny Mir OJSC. Cherko - Legislation is changing, new requirements are appearing, which are also reflected on the markings. In order to keep up with all legislative trends, we hold relevant events and training seminars for specialists. Moreover, at the seminar today we included questions not only on labeling, but also those that will relate to aspects of technology, the use of veterinary drugs, and control. We tried very hard to make our seminar as useful and informative as possible."

Participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the nuances of the operation of the enterprise, which produces up to 100 tons of cheese per day. OJSC "Molochny Mir" is known both in Belarus and far beyond its borders. The secret of success is simple: every new step here is taken in the interests of the consumer. And experts are willing to share their approaches and best practices for the 10th time.

By the way, tomorrow, on the day of the city of Grodno, the 10th Cheese Festival will be solemnly opened. Residents and guests of the regional center, in addition to public tastings, will enjoy a lot of interesting things: a theatrical performance, the opportunity to learn the history of cheese making in the Grodno region, awarding of tasting competition winners, play areas for children.