#Netherlands #Beemster #World Champion Cheese #CONO Kaasmakers #Westbeemster

Netherlands Triumphs at World Championship Cheese Contest 2026

After three thrilling days of competition, the prestigious title of 2026 World Champion Cheese has been awarded to the Netherlands’ very own Beemster Royaal Grand Cru. This exquisite cow's milk cheese, meticulously crafted by CONO Kaasmakers in Westbeemster, has captivated the judges with its rich and nutty flavor, earning an impressive score of 98.68 out of 100. The win marks a significant achievement as the cheese outshone a remarkable 3,375 entries from around the globe at this year’s World Championship Cheese Contest held in Madison, Wisconsin, making it a standout in a contest that’s regarded as the largest technical dairy products evaluation in the world.



The celebration of excellence in cheesemaking does not stop there, as the competition saw a strong presence of cheeses from various regions. Following the champion cheese, the first runner-up was the Appenzeller® Purple Label, an aged Swiss cheese crafted by Lucas Meier and Käserei Kirchberg, which scored 98.45. Hot on its heels, the second runner-up was Alter Fritz, another Swiss creation from Hardegger Käse AG, just a notch lower at 98.41. The high scores among the top contenders exemplify the exceptional quality of cheese produced globally.

John Umhoefer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, emphasized the remarkable achievement of CONO Kaasmakers. He stated, “Congratulations go to the team at CONO Kaasmakers for reaching the pinnacle of their craft with a win at the World Championship Cheese Contest. The quality of this year's competition highlights the dedication of dairy manufacturers worldwide to pursue excellence.”

The 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest showcased entries from 25 countries and 34 U.S. states and territories, making it a melting pot of dairy artistry. Across 148 classes, cheesemakers from around the United States claimed the highest number of gold medals, achieving 96 Best of Class awards total. Wisconsin led with 45 first-place awards, followed by New York with eight and Vermont with seven. Notably, makers from California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, and beyond also secured recognitions in various categories.

The participation wasn't limited to the U.S. as manufacturers from the Netherlands and Switzerland each took home 12 gold medals, while cheesemakers from Australia and Spain each earned five Best of Class awards, showcasing a global commitment to cheese quality and innovation.

The World Championship Cheese Contest, hosted by WCMA since 1957, offers a platform for cheesemakers to present their finest products to a panel of 56 internationally esteemed judges. The contest took place from March 3-5, where judges meticulously evaluated all submissions in a rigorous process.

In conclusion, CONO Kaasmakers’ Beemster Royaal Grand Cru not only brings pride to the Netherlands but also highlights the significance of craftsmanship in cheesemaking. This victory resonates far beyond a trophy, as it encourages cheesemakers everywhere to strive for excellence. For full results and more information about the contest, visit WorldChampionCheese.org.