Henning Cheese Triumphs at the 2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest
Henning Cheese, a fourth-generation family-owned business, took center stage at the
2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This year, the company celebrated securing multiple first-place accolades, including recognition for its
Onion Chive Cheddar as one of the top 20 overall cheeses for the second consecutive year.
The competition, which featured over
2,400 cheese entries from 31 states, evaluates cheeses based on various criteria, including flavor, texture, and packaging. Among Henning Cheese’s impressive lineup, the
Onion Chive Cheddar not only clinched its category but also marked its place in the prestigious top 20. Other notable mentions include
Dragon's Breath Cheddar taking first place in the Pepper Flavored Cheese category, and the
Aged Cheddar and
Sharp Cheddar earning silver medals in their respective classes.
Rebekah Henschel, co-owner and director of national sales for Henning Cheese, expressed her enthusiasm: _"We’re thrilled to see our cheeses recognized as best in class in what is always an incredibly competitive pool of entries. To have one of our products named in the top 20 back-to-back years showcases the dedication we pour into our craft and the premium quality of the cheese we produce."_
Celebrating Tradition and Quality
Founded in 1914 by Otto Henning, the company has a long-standing commitment to excellence in artisanal cheese production. Utilizing milk sourced from small family dairy farms within a 30-mile radius of the factory, Henning Cheese prides itself on its traditional cheesemaking techniques that emphasize the natural flavors of their products. This dedication to quality resonates with consumers, allowing Henning Cheese to celebrate
111 years in business in 2025, symbolizing a rich tradition of excellence enjoyed nationwide.
The biannual contest, organized by the
Wisconsin Cheese Maker's Association, has been a platform for cheesemakers nationwide since 1981, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and excellence within the dairy industry. The skilled panel of judges evaluates entries on multiple dimensions, making it a challenging contest that draws top talent from across the U.S.
Award-Winning Cheese Variety
Henning Cheese's detailed results at the contest are as follows:
- - Onion Chive Cheddar: 1st place in Flavored Hard Cheeses and top 20 overall.
- - Dragon's Breath Cheddar: 1st place in Pepper Flavored Cheese.
- - Aged Cheddar: 1st place in Traditional Waxed Cheddar.
- - Sharp Cheddar: 2nd place in Traditional Waxed Cheddar (cured over 18 months).
With such significant accolades, Henning Cheese not only stands out in the competitive cheese landscape but also continues to bring high-quality artisan cheese to consumers. Their products can be found online and in grocery stores across the country, inviting everyone to enjoy the bold flavors that have helped the company earn numerous awards.
In conclusion, Henning Cheese's success at the 2025 United States Championship Cheese Contest exemplifies their commitment to quality and innovation in cheesemaking. As the company looks forward to future competitions and continues to celebrate its heritage, consumers can expect nothing less than excellence from every bite of Henning Cheese.