Academy of Cheese joins panel of international experts at B2Cheese 2026 in Bergamo

A team of experts assembled by the Academy of Cheese will travel to Bergamo, Italy for B2Cheese 2026 on 23-24 September, to join a line-up of ‘Cheese Masters’ for the World Cheese Capital programme of live events. 

A brand new addition to Italy’s leading international B2B trade fair for cheese and dairy, the World Cheese Capital programme will feature masterclasses run by Tracey Colley, founding director of the Academy of Cheese, and Rachel Holding, Marketing & Training Partner Manager at the Academy of Cheese, as well as recent winners of both the Young Cheesemonger of the Year and Affineur of the Year competitions, both of which are run by the UK-based non-profit organisation.

Academy of Cheese alumni joining the panel of experts will include; Perry James Wakeman of Rennet & Rind in Cambridgeshire, winner of Affineur of the Year 2022, 2023 and 2025; Owen Davies of Tŷ Caws in Cardiff, winner of Affineur of the Year 2024; Hanna Lee from Mouse Hole Cheese Shop in New Mexico, winner of Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2025 and recent winner of The Cheesemonger Invitational 2026 in New York; Daniel Iliev of Crouch’s Italian Deli in Borough Market, winner of Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2024; and Lily Morris of Morris' of Usk, winner of Young Cheesemonger of the Year 2023.

Taking place art Fiera di Bergamo, B2Cheese 2026 will bring together cheese producers, dairy companies, distributors, buyers, retailers, importers, food service operators and industry professionals for two days of business, networking and market insight. The event is designed as a focused meeting point for the cheese supply chain, with a clear B2B positioning and a strong connection with the Italian and European dairy market. 

Tracey Colley, Founding Director of the Academy of Cheese, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be joining the B2Cheese programme in the beautiful city of Bergamo, and to be opening new doors for our competition winners. To have ourselves and winners from both Affineur of the Year and Young Cheesemonger of the Year invited to speak at such a prestigious international event is an honour, and a reflection of how far the Academy of Cheese has come over the past decade. Bergamo is one of Italy’s great food cities, so will be a perfect setting for two days of cheese education, conversation and insight.”

Full details on Affineur of the Year can be found at academyofcheese.org.