Afrim Pristine, Maître Fromager (Cheese Master)
Afrim Pristine is Canada's premier cheese expert with over 25 years of experience in the art of cheese making and co-owner of Cheese Boutique alongside his brother Agim. From studying with some of the world's greatest cheesemakers like Luigi Guffanti, Stefano Sarti, Carl Schilt, Jean-Paul Morin as well as hands on training from his father and world's most renowned dairy farms, Afrim's passion and commitment stems from his father and family business of 54 years, Cheese Boutique.
In the spring of 2021 his television show premiered! He is the host of Food Network Canada's first ever docu-series "Cheese- A Love Story" with 6 X one hour episodes which can also be viewed on STACKTV on Amazon Prime and was just picked up by Hulu in the US! Afrim's first cookbook "For the Love of Cheese" hit shelves in October 2018 and is a bestseller! He is currently working on his second book- so stay tuned!
As one of the world's youngest "Maitre Fromager", an honour bestowed in February 19, 2013, by the France based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers, an exclusive association representing more than 5,000 dairy professionals worldwide, Afrim is the only Canadian to receive this title, awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional cheese knowledge and recognized within their community.
Prior to that achievement, Afrim was also the youngest Canadian recipient to the "Chevalier," a distinction from the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Taste Fromage de France (March 2007), following an upgraded status to "Officier du Fromage" in April 2010. He was also awarded with Top 30 Under 30 in the Food Industry by Ontario Hostelry Institute.
Afrim is actively involved with charities and foundations he's passionate about including CAMH, Sick Kids Hospital, Women in Capital Markets, Toronto & Etobicoke Humane Society, St. Joseph's Hospital and more.