Call-for-judges

Dear Utah Foodies, here is your chance to help judge the quality of artisan cheese and charcuterie board foods while you support the local food scene, learn, and have fun doing it.

The Utah Cheese Awards is seeking additional judges for it's 8th year. Past contest have been judged by a wide variety of those working in and around the food and dining fields, with some in the media, and others just with an interest in fancy foods. The contest aims for a well rounded point of view.

For 2024 we will be accepting entries from makers everywhere and anticipate the need for more judges

What is involved.

The judging will take place Saturday August 17, 2024 in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake City, Utah. Between noon and 5:00 p.m.

Judges will be given numbered samples ½ to 1 oz of food, as well as their categories and asked to rate them, on their personal opinion, and how they relate to others in the categories on a scale of 1 to 10. Notes are appreciated. This numerical rating will be combined with those of other judges and averaged to determine the winning products.

Because of the number of entries anticipated not all samples will be judged by everyone. We would like judges to commit to judge one to three rounds of samples based on 15 samples per round.

We will fill the jury with food service experience/influence and former judges first. But we encourage everyone to apply.

Applications should be submitted by June 1, 2024 and confirmation will be sent by June 15.

FAQ

Are judges paid?

No. Our judges are volunteers who see the many benefits of participating. However judges usually have unsampled portions they can take home with them.

Can we bring others?

Yes. You may bring others with you, but unless we need fill-in judges just one name will be recorded. Judges names will be published and we reserve the right to photograph the judging for future promotional purposes.

Can we find out which products we rated?

Yes. The identity of the products will be made known to those interested after the judging has concluded.

Can we judge if we enter the show?
Yes. Those entering the show will be allowed to judge the categories they have no entries in.

How do judges need to prepare?

Just come ready to sample ounces of cheese.

VERY IMPORTANT if you see you can't make it please let us know ASAP so we can make arrangements and re-schedule for another year.

How long will it take?

For 2024 we have a facility that will allow for un-hurried judging, but typically we have been able to finish judging in less than two hours.

Use this rule of thumb. 15 minutes to get started and 45 minutes per 15 entries thereafter.

If we judge, how do we find out which food products won?

You will be notified by email by November 15, 2024.