World Championship Cheese Contest 2026
The 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest crowned a Dutch cheese as the world’s best earlier this month, highlighting the ongoing global excellence in cheesemaking while U.S. producers, particularly from Wisconsin and Connecticut, claimed numerous top honors.

Held from March 3–5 at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin, the biennial event—hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association since 1957—drew 3,375 entries from dairy manufacturers across 25 countries, 33 U.S. states, and Puerto Rico. A panel of 56 international judges evaluated the cheeses, butter, and other dairy products in what is widely regarded as the most respected technical cheese competition worldwide.

The overall World Champion Cheese title went to Beemster Royaal Grand Cru, a rich, nutty cow’s milk cheese produced by CONO Kaasmakers in Westbeemster, Netherlands. It achieved an impressive score of 98.68 out of 100, edging out strong competition to claim the top spot.

Two Swiss entries rounded out the podium:
First runner-up: Appenzeller Purple Label (an aged Appenzeller from Lucas Meier and Käserei Kirchberg in Appenzell, Switzerland), scoring 98.45.
Second runner-up: Alter Fritz (an aged, washed-rind hard cheese from Hardegger Käse AG in Jonschwil, Switzerland), scoring 98.41.

While no U.S. cheese took the supreme champion title this year, American producers—especially from America’s Dairyland—dominated many categories. Wisconsin companies secured the most first-place awards overall, winning 45 categories and reinforcing the state’s reputation as a powerhouse in cheese production.

In Connecticut, two dairies stood out with a combined 10 medals:
Calabro Cheese Corporation (East Haven) earned four medals, including two golds.
Arethusa Farm Dairy (Litchfield) took home six medals, including one gold.

Public viewing was available during preliminary judging rounds, allowing attendees to observe the meticulous evaluation process and even sample entries. The champion announcement was livestreamed, drawing attention from cheese enthusiasts worldwide.

This year’s contest arrives amid broader industry conversations about cheese trends for 2026, including sustainability innovations, wellness-focused fermented dairy, premium textures (like crystalline aged cheddars), and protein-packed options. Yet the event remains a pure celebration of craftsmanship and quality.

The results underscore that while the Netherlands claimed the crown in 2026, cheesemaking excellence is truly global—and American producers continue to hold their own at the highest levels. For full results and category winners, visit the official World Championship Cheese Contest website.

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