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Hero Hirsh

Cheesemonger Extraordinaire & Educator, UK

Hero Hirsh is a powerhouse in the world of cheese. From the precision of Michelin-starred pastry kitchens to the elegance of one of London’s most prestigious (and oldest) cheesemongers, she has spent her career making sure people experience cheese at its very best.

For over 15 years, Hero led teams at Paxton & Whitfield, guiding customers through the finest cheeses with expertise, charm and wit. Beyond the shop, she’s an inspiring educator and mentor, training hundreds of cheesemongers through the Academy of Cheese and helping shape the next generation of cheese professionals. A frequent judge at international competitions and the Academy’s first-ever level 3 Fellow, Hero combines deep knowledge with infectious enthusiasm, making her one of the most beloved figures in the cheese world.

Now, Hero runs Pick & Cheese, the first conveyor belt cheese restaurant, which just opened its doors in Berlin this year. At Cheese Berlin, Hero brings her experience, insight, and passion – the perfect guide if you want to explore the art, craft, and joy of cheese.

Talk to Hero about: Mastering the art of cheesemongering, Judging international cheese competitions, the Queen’s favourite cheeses (but don’t expect her to tell you)

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Program
Meet the Käseköpfe
Exhibitors
Gastronomic Offer
Fenster zum Hof
Exponat Käse: Textures
The team
Thanks
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Image placeholder Cheese Berlin
Image placeholder Cheese Berlin
Image placeholder Cheese Berlin
Image placeholder Cheese Berlin
Image placeholder Cheese Berlin
Cheese Berlin Sunday, 09.11.25, 11:00 – 18:00

Meet The Käsemacher

Since the first gathering in 2012, Cheese Berlin has evolved into one of the international artisan cheese community’s most important hubs. The setting: Markthalle Neun, a historic covered market in Kreuzberg where food craft, culture, and community meet—right in the heart of Berlin.

Every year, cheesemakers, mongers, affineurs, distributors, and cheese lovers from around the world gather to taste, discuss, buy, and celebrate. Exhibitors for the day-long Sunday event are carefully curated, and the market is spiced up by a rich program of tastings, talks, and an exhibition.

A space for conversation, Cheese Berlin connects those who care about real cheese—emphasising the landscapes, animals, and people behind it.

Free admission for persons with proof of eligibility, residents of 10997 and children up to 14 years of age

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In the coming weeks, we will be continuously publishing the programme and list of exhibitors.

Meet the Käseköpfe

Cheese Berlin is not just about tasting and shopping – it's a place to meet people who live and breathe cheese. In addition to the exhibitors, there are many experts on the move to share their knowledge and stories, either on stage or in the midst of the market bustle. If you encounter one of these cheese heads, just strike up a conversation!

Exhibitors

Gastronomic Offer

Of course, Cheese Berlin is not just about cheese. The permanent traders at Markthalle Neun are adding cakes, bread, pizza, pasta and more to the range! Who is open?

Fenster zum Hof

Since 2017, Cheese Berlin has been presenting an award: the Fenster zum Hof (translates to window to the farm). With this award, we honour a producer that comes particularly close to the ideal. A dairy that demonstrates how and that it is possible to

  • use resources sustainably,

  • work with natural conditions instead of against them,

  • respect animals as partners,

  • not exploit personal resources or those of employees,

  • achieve long-term financial stability.

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Cheese Berlin Award Winner "Fenster zum Hof" 2022 –Sabine Jürß "Scellebelle"

Exponat Käse: Textures

Since 2023, we have been putting together the ‘ Exponat: Käse’ exhibition and inviting visitors to take a closer look at cheese. The focus is on artisan cheeses and their makers, who embody the diversity and depth of this traditional craft.

The exhibits are illuminated under changing themes – this year: textures. Informative displays, interactive elements and tastings at the end of the market turn the exhibition into a dynamic experience that promotes appreciation for the world of cheese.

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2024's exhibition under the topic "rinds"

The team

Ursula Heinzelmann has been with us for over ten years as curator of Cheese Berlin. She has acquired her knowledge through self-study, travelling and the conscious examination of artisan traditions. With the help of a wide international network, she lends Cheese Berlin a depth of content. Heinzelmann attaches particular importance to giving people, animals and the hard work behind the products the respect they deserve.

Carina Reckers is the voice and eye of Markthalle Neun. She's in charge of communications, public relations, and shapes the content of the market. Her studies in gastronomic sciences and her work as an international cheese judge have sharpened her eye for food and agriculture. In addition, a wealth of experience from cheese dairies all over Europe and a certain affinity for stables and herding flow into the organisation of Cheese Berlin.

As a former self-employed restaurateur, Olivier Witzkewitz brings experience, perseverance, sensitivity and a passion for really good food. As event manager, he ensures smooth processes, has timing and structures under control and thus enables the actual realisation of curatorial visions.

Together, they curate, organise and design Cheese Berlin with one goal in mind: to put the spotlight on artisan cheesemakers.

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Thanks

Cheese Berlin is made possible by our partners and many helping hands and minds. It is thanks to your support that this annual platform for artisan cheese can be realised. We thank you for your commitment and unwavering love of cheese.

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