Afrim Pristine

Canada’s Foremost Cheese Expert

A celebrated Cheese Master, Afrim Pristine is revered as Canada’s foremost cheese expert. With a career spanning over 25 years, Afrim has dedicated his life to mastering the art and science of cheese, a passion deeply rooted in his family’s culinary legacy. As co-owner of Toronto’s iconic Cheese Boutique alongside his brother Agim, Afrim continues to uphold and expand the traditions of the family business, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s food scene for over five decades.

Afrim’s journey into the culinary world began early, inspired by his father’s dedication and the vibrant, cheese-filled environment of his family’s shop. His commitment to excellence has propelled Afrim to extraordinary heights, earning him the prestigious title of Maître Fromager, conferred by the esteemed France-based Guilde Internationale des Fromagers in 2013. Afrim holds the unique distinction of being the youngest person and only Canadian to receive this accolade, bestowed to those with exceptional knowledge and understanding of cheese amongst an international community.

In 2021, Afrim’s expertise and charisma took center stage with the premiere of "Cheese: A Love Story," Food Network Canada’s inaugural docu-series dedicated to the world of cheese, available for viewing on HULU across the US. The six-episode series explores Afrim’s quest to uncover and celebrate the world’s finest cheeses and the people who craft them. In 2018, Afrim’s passion for storytelling and education led to the publishing of his first cookbook, For the Love of Cheese, a bestseller that celebrates the joy and versatility of his beloved food. Fans eagerly await his upcoming second book due out in October 2026, a testament to his continued culinary creativity.

Afrim’s influence transcends the cheese counter. Inspired by the thousands of ingredients lining his shop’s shelves, Affirm’s cheffing skills span from catering to recipe development. He is a familiar face on Canadian television, making guest appearances on morning and daily talk shows, including the Marilyn Denis show for 10 seasons along with top culinary competition shows. Recognized for his exceptional contributions to the food industry, Afrim was named one of the “Top 50 Most Influential People in Canadian Food” by The Globe and Mail in 2016 and ranked among the “Top 10 Most Influential People in the Food Industry” by LCBO Food & Drink Magazine.

Afrim’s desire to connect with people through the boundless creativity of transforming humble ingredients through his love of culinary arts has allowed him to inspire a new generation of cheese enthusiasts while honouring the rich traditions of his craft.