The World Championship Cheese Contest, initiated in 1957, is the largest technical cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredient competition in the world. This year drew a record-breaking 3,667 entries from 26 countries! Entries undergo technical evaluation that uses objective measures of cheese defects to select products in each class which best exemplify perfection.

 "For generations, cheesemakers have honed their craft with a commitment to excellence, and that shows in the work of World Championship Cheese Contest winners," said John Umhoefer, Executive Director for the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.

This year, Norseland is proud to share the achievements of our partners, who earned awards across a variety of categories:

Garcia Baquero
Iberico – Best in Class
Manchego Aged 6+ Months - Best in Class
Manchego Aged 9+ Months - Silver Medal
Garica Baquero has cultivated their own starter cultures since 1962 to produce consistently rich, complex flavor profiles and award-winning cheeses. Their manchego cheeses are made exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep from the La Mancha region of Spain, giving it a distinct Spanish terrior. Iberico is a balanced blend of sheep, goat and cow’s milk with buttery, slightly fruity flavor.

Old Amsterdam
Goat Gouda – Best in Class
Old Amsterdam is the gold standard of aged gouda. The result of authentic family recipes and tireless passion for cheese, Old Amsterdam Goat Gouda has full, rich flavor with hints of butterscotch and fine ripening crystals.

Soignon Whipped
Plain – Bronze Medal
Soignon products represent over 125 years of French cheesemaking tradition. Their newest product is a Whipped goat cheese spread; the innovative aerating method achieves a light, airy texture with fresh, mild flavor.