Wisconsin Wins Honors for Cheesemaking Excellence in 2024 American Cheese Society Competition

Wisconsin is a world of cheese in one state, taking home 92 total awards in 52 different categories at the American Cheese Society’s 2024 Cheese Awards Ceremony in Buffalo, NY.

The American Cheese Society Conference and Competition is known for its rigorous judging process, which evaluates cheeses based on flavor, texture, aroma and appearance. Wisconsin cheesemakers’ dedication to their craft and commitment to excellence has been evident in the many awards they have received.

Wisconsin’s cheese industry has a long tradition of excellence, from humble beginnings before Wisconsin was a state. The knowledge and expertise passed down through generations instills a passion for perfection and making the highest quality cheese. Today, rooted in heritage and strengthened by innovation, Wisconsin’s licensed cheesemakers craft more than 600 varieties and styles of cheese.

“We are especially proud of our cheesemakers and their outstanding accomplishments at the American Cheese Society Conference and Competition,” said Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “These awards not only recognize the hard work and dedication of cheesemakers, but also highlight the state’s commitment to producing exceptional cheeses in a wide variety of types and styles.”

Highlights of the Wisconsin Dairy Cow Award include:

• Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Upland Cheese in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is recognized as one of the top 10 cheeses in North America.

• Klondike Cheese Factory of Monroe, Wisconsin, wins 15 awards for its labneh, feta varieties, smoked gouda, tzatziki dip, brick and muenster.

• BeautifulGioiosoof Green Bay, Wisconsin, stands out for its Italian-style cheeses, winning an impressive 14 awards.

• Marieke Goudaof Thorp, Wisconsin, wins six cheesemaking awards for cheeses judged in the Dutch-Style, International-Style and Cold-Packed Cheese categories

• Both Schuman/Lake Country Dairy Cheesefrom Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, and Pine River Pre-Packof Newton, Wisconsin, each won five awards for the quality of their cheesemaking.

• Henning cheese of Kiel, Wisconsin, takes home four awards at the 2024 ACS. Made by second-generation Joshua Henning, their 17- and 23-month cheddars took home second and first place honors, respectively.

• Other contracts won by Wisconsin cheese and dairy companies include:

• Three prizes for Landmark Creamery, LLC,

• Two prizes each for Arena cheese, Cedar Grove Cheese, VSRave Brothers Farm Cheese, Ellsworth Cooperative Dairy, Kingston Cheese Cooperative, Renard Cheese Factory/Rosewood Dairy, Sartori CompanyTThe Artisan Cheese Exchange, Widmer Cheese Cellars, Inc.., And V&V Supremo Foods,

• And a price for each Chalet Cheese Factoryp, Emmi Roth, Hill Valley Dairy, Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc.., NOTAsonville Dairy, Inc.., And Organic Valley.