Canadian cheese crowned world champion 2009

The annual competition, run by the UK's Guild of Fine Food, was staged this year in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. It was only the second time the awards have been held outside Britain in their 21-year history. Over 150 judges from 24 countries, including Mexico, South Africa and Australia, sampled 2,440 entries in a marathon tasting session before choosing the winner. Around 140 cheeses from around the world were also given gold awards. Guild of Fine Food national director Bob Farrand said: "This was the most international team of judges ever assembled, with representatives from four continents involved in choosing the World Champion. It's the largest and most cosmopolitan cheese awards scheme on the planet." Le Cendrillon is made by La Maison Alexis de Portneuf in Québec, Canada. The ash-covered cheese has a marble-textured rind, ivory-coloured body and a fairly strong, acidic taste that is said to become more pronounced as the cheese matures.