Balıkesir, the first city to represent Türkiye in the World Cheese Awards, is taking another big step by bringing Türkiye's local-traditional cheeses to the global market after the cultural and economic achievements created in the city with the book "Balıkesir City of 50 Cheeses". 

42 COUNTRIES, MORE THAN 4000 CHEESES

Five cheeses of "Balıkesir City of 50 Cheeses" will represent Türkiye in "The World Cheese Awards 2023" World Cheese Competition. The competition, which includes more than 4000 local cheese varieties from 42 countries in six continents, will take place in Trondheim, Norway between 26-28 October.

BALIKESİR PARTICIPATES WITH 5 CHEESES

Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality is participating in the competition with 5 cheeses, 3 of which are registered with geographical indication and 3 of which are included in the book "Balıkesir City of 50 Cheeses", which has received the first prize in the world: Bükdere Mouldy Katık, Manyas Kelle with geographical indication, İvrindi Kelle with geographical indication, Kirli Hanım, Savaştepe Mihaliç Kelle with geographical indication.

THE WORLD'S LARGEST CHEESE ORGANISATION

In the world's largest global cheese organisation, Balıkesir's cheeses will represent our country in the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.  Neşe Aksoy Biber and Berrin Bal Onur, authors of the award-winning book "Balıkesir City of 50 Cheeses", will contribute to the promotion of Turkish cheeses in this international organisation with their cheese book translated into English. 

The competition plays an active role in showcasing the traditional cheeses of countries with different origins, traditions, flavours and styles on the international stage and preserving their production.