Marieke Gouda Achieves Outstanding Victory at US Cheese Contest with Nine Awards

Marieke Gouda Triumphs at US Championship Cheese Contest

The highly anticipated US Championship Cheese Contest took place recently in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Marieke Gouda made headlines by securing an impressive total of nine awards. Among these accolades were two Gold medals, a testament to the cheese's exceptional quality and flavor.

Master Cheesemaker Marieke Penterman, the founder and owner of Marieke Gouda, expressed her pride in the recognition received from the esteemed panel of judges and cheese experts. “It’s always exciting for our gouda to be recognized by these esteemed judges and cheese experts,” she stated, reflecting the hard work and dedication that has gone into their cheese production. This recognition not only celebrates their ongoing commitment to crafting high-quality gouda but also emphasizes their position as leaders in the cheese industry in the United States and beyond.

At the competition, Marieke Gouda’s Truffle Gouda and Smoked Gouda both earned first-place gold awards in their respective categories. In addition to these top honors, Marieke Gouda also received four silver medals and three bronze awards, showcasing the variety and quality of their cheeses. The Belegen Gouda aged 4-6 months, Hatch Gouda, Premium Gouda aged 12-18 months, and returning rivals like the Truffle Gouda earned second-place awards, while third-place accolades went to Young Gouda aged 2-4 months, Reserve Gouda aged over 1000 days, and Marieke Golden, an aged Gouda Parmesan.

This year’s competition saw an incredible turnout, with dairy businesses from 31 states submitting 2,414 entries that were evaluated for their cheese, butter, cultured products, and dry dairy ingredients. This overwhelming participation underscores the significance of the US Championship Cheese Contest in the dairy manufacturing sector. Kirsten Strohmenger, the Contest Director from the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, noted the vitality of the competition and how the prestigious contest seal serves as a mark of exceptional quality recognized by consumers.

Marieke Gouda’s triumph at the competition is a reflection of their sustainable approach to cheesemaking. The company follows traditional Dutch cheesemaking methods, ensuring authentic flavors and high quality from the milk sourced from their dairy farm. Every stage of production, from caring for the cows to the aging process, is conducted under Marieke’s careful supervision, emphasizing their dedication to producing premium, all-natural cheeses.

Celebrating over twenty years in the industry, Marieke Gouda has accumulated more than 285 awards, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the cheesemaking community. With each award, Marieke Gouda continues to highlight the importance of craftsmanship in dairy production, elevating their brand and contributing to the rich tapestry of American dairy products.

For those interested in exploring the full range of exceptional cheeses crafted by Marieke Gouda, further information can be found on their website at MariekeGouda.com.

The US Championship Cheese Contest, which has been hosted biennially since 1981 by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, is recognized as the nation's premier competition for cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredients. It serves not only as a platform for celebrating excellence in dairy products but also as an opportunity for producers to enhance their brands and grow their businesses in an increasingly competitive market.

Marieke Gouda’s success at the 2025 US Championship Cheese Contest sets a high bar for quality in the cheesemaking industry and provides an exciting glimpse into the continuous innovation and dedication that define the world of cheese.