17:29 18 May 2015
Nigel Pooley, a cheese expert, has insured his nose for £5million.
Working for one of Britain’s biggest cheese manufacturers, Pooley’s job description include sniffing and tasting cheese to decide when it reaches its prime. Over the years, his skills have helped the company reach an annual turnover of £80 million.
The grandfather-of-three said: “I’ve always been picky about scents, good and bad.
“I can make or break a cheese because it depends on my choice.
“I have to be confident it’s the correct one to ensure sales and tailor-make decisions for vital major customers.
“Our global market has spread to 120 countries, especially the Far East, Australia, Canada and America.
“I don’t eat much cheese out of work because I consume so much in. I certainly don’t like pungent French cheese which smells strong but has little taste.”
Nigel uses his skills when deciding which cheese is ready to go and which ones should stay. He can also eat up to a half-kilo of cheese per day and insist that cheese is great for the body.
He said: “I cannot remember ever getting ‘u. I take Echinacea tablets daily which prevents colds taking hold.
“Dairy products and cheese in particular, are good for the body. Maybe I’m a good example of that.”