Ian Robertson

International Cheese and Dairy Awards – Australasia

Ian Roberton, has had over 30+ years of experience in both the International and Australian cheese industry. His early career was as a chef cooking in Europe. Ian met and worked with many traditional cheese makers who taught him the elements of making cheese. His love and knowledge of cheese grew and he eventually moved back to Melbourne in the late 1980s to begin family life. Meribel Fine Foods was established by Ian in 1990. Ian volunteered with The Australian Specialist Cheesemakers Association (ASCA) where his knowledge of cheese and experience with cheese makers led him on to initiate the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers Show, held annually in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 

The shows attracted almost all Australian Cheesemakers with 100’s of local cheeses out on show. Ian was Vice President and Chief Judge for ASCA for 10 years, rewriting the judging process to correctly reflect the varied range of artisan cheese produced today.

Following his retirement from ASCA, Ian continued as a Judge at The International Cheese and Dairy Awards in the UK and continues to support the show. He continues to work with cheese everyday admits that his interest seems boundless. “There always seems to be something new and different around the corner” according to Ian. 

Ian spends much of his time with small first time producers and is most at home back in the kitchen talking to chefs about their requirements and which cheeses are in premium condition. Ian also runs a series of Master classes in cheese tasting and judging. As a chef he is able to speak on all aspects of cheese both back and front of house.

Blessed are the cheese makers.