#USA #Cheese Awards #Tillamook #Tillamook Creamery #Dairy Excellence

Celebrating Dairy Excellence: Tillamook's Victory at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

The Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) has once again demonstrated its commitment to dairy excellence, achieving significant recognition at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest. This prestigious event, organized by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, brought together a diverse array of entrants from around the globe, all vying for accolades in nearly 150 categories.

A Legacy of Quality

Founded over a century ago in 1909, Tillamook has long been revered for its dedication to high-quality dairy products. TCCA is a farmer-owned cooperative that operates with unwavering values, ensuring that every product is made with both passion and pride. Their relentless pursuit of quality has now earned them three esteemed awards this year at the cheese contest, a testament to their excellence in dairy production.

Award-Winning Products

The competition was fierce, with thousands of products being judged by a panel of esteemed experts who evaluated each item based on flavor, texture, appearance, and overall quality. Tillamook’s remarkable run at the contest included:

• - Gold Award for Natural Sliced Cheese: Tillamook Spicy Colby Jack Slices
• - Silver Award for Smoked Hard Cheeses: Tillamook Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar
• - Silver Award for Cream Cheese Spreads: Tillamook Seriously Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread

The accolades follow their earlier success in 2024 when they won the Silver Award in the Open Class for their Hickory Smoked Cheddar, further solidifying their position among the best in the industry.

Voices from Within

Jill Allen, the Director of Cheese and Product Excellence at Tillamook, expressed pride in the recognition. “These wins reflect our dedication to making dairy with uncompromising quality, from block to slice to spread,” she said. Allen highlighted the impact of the Spicy Colby Jack Slices, Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar, and Seriously Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread, emphasizing how these products deliver bold flavors that resonate with consumers.

Recognition on a Global Scale

Tillamook's Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar has captured attention beyond this recent award, following its gold medal win at the 37th World Cheese Awards held last fall. The brand’s products are available nationwide, and consumers can find their award-winning varieties at leading grocery store chains, including Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, and Publix.

For more details on available products, consumers can visit FindTillamook.com.

The Community Aspect

Not only does TCCA pride itself on quality dairy products, but they also stand as a model of community commitment. Owned by local farming families primarily from Tillamook County, Oregon, the cooperative employs over 1,100 staff and operates production facilities in Tillamook, Boardman, OR, and Decatur, IL. The Tillamook Creamery is also a beloved tourist attraction on Oregon's coast, drawing over one million visitors each year and showcasing the brand's rich heritage and commitment to quality.

Conclusion

With its latest triumph at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest, Tillamook County Creamery Association not only celebrates its heritage but also looks forward to a future filled with creativity and innovation in bringing quality dairy products to the market. The honors received at this event further affirm Tillamook's position as a leader in the dairy industry, proving that their commitment to quality truly resonates with cheese lovers everywhere. For those seeking authentic, delicious dairy products, Tillamook remains a trusted choice, embodying the best of farmer-owned principles and artisanal craftsmanship.