The official attempt to establish a new Guinness World Record for the largest showcase of cheese varieties in one place is scheduled in Dubai for January 28, 2026.
DUBAI : An official attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest showcase of cheese varieties in one location will take place in Dubai on January 28, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek, in conjunction with Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition.
The record to beat stands at 1,001 cheese varieties, achieved in Lyon, France, in October 2023, which currently holds the Guinness World Record title.
The official attempt forms part of Date-a-Cheese 2026, the international food festival celebrating the pairing of fine cheeses with palm dates—a powerful symbol of Emirati heritage and hospitality. The event positions Dubai at the intersection of global gastronomy, innovation and cultural exchange.
“Something extraordinary is happening,” says Elie Makhlouf, world-renowned Cheese & Dairy Specialist and Founder of Chronofood, who is leading the record attempt. “This Guinness World Record is not just a number. It is a bold tribute to the passion, precision and persistence of hundreds of cheese producers from around the world.”
Rosario Scarpato, CEO of Argos Star LLC, adds: “Dubai’s love affair with cheese is set to grow even stronger. Beyond rising consumption, food lovers and international travellers increasingly recognise quality cheese as a refined – often exclusive – pleasure. Enjoyed in moderation, it is valued for its nutritional benefits, its deep cultural roots, and its positive contribution to well-being and quality of life.”
The showcase will feature cheeses from some of the world’s most respected producers, affineurs and merchants, including Ambrosi S.p.A., Arrigoni Battista S.p.A., Beppino Occelli, Interval Export, Sicilformaggi SRL, Cooleeney Farm, The Fine Cheese Co., Fromageries Paul Dischamp, Wyke Farms, Quesos Vega Sotuélamos S.L., CONO Kaasmakers, Beillevaire, and Savencia Talmera USA Inc.
Supporting the Guinness World Records adjudicator as official witnesses and experts will be leading figures from the culinary, food safety and accounting sectors, including Mansour Ghaleb (Cheese Expert, Compagnon d’Honneur – Honoris Caseus Companion, Guilde Internationale des Fromagers), Patrizia Marin (International Accounting Expert), Alan Orreal-Liang (President of the Emirates Culinary Guild and Senior Vice President Culinary at Emirates Flight Catering), Geo Mathew (Manager, Hygiene & Food Safety, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai), and Fabio Cappellano (International Food Distributor, The Netherlands).
Promoted by Sustainable UAE Eating and Itchefs-GVCI, the Guinness World Record Official Attempt is organised in collaboration with the Emirates Culinary Guild and the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek culinary team, led by Chef Jay Williams.
Greenhouse FoodStuff Trading LLC, the region’s leading distributor of premium cheeses, is the Main Partner, while Avion Company S.p.A., an Italian logistics specialist with more than 30 years of experience, s the Recommended Logistics Partner.
Beyond the record attempt, Date-a-Cheese 2026 will present a curated programme of events, including The Art of Serving Cheese Awards, a pioneering competition celebrating innovation, creativity and diversity across hotels, restaurants and catering.
The festival will conclude with the Dubai Big Taste Cheese Experience on January 30 and 31, from 6pm, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek, where the public will be invited to taste the cheese varieties featured in the record attempt. The event will also host the presentation of “Burrata – 100 Years Celebration,” winner of Best Italian Food Culture Book in the World, with Flavel Monteiro as lead author.
Date-a-Cheese is part of Out-of-the-Box, the Gulfood after-fair programme organised by Argos Star, which in 2024 delivered the Guinness World Record for the Longest Line of Sustainable Pizza, under the culinary direction of Ivan Musoni.
