Statewide showing includes 32 first-place finishes and more than 31% of all competition awards, more than double the next-highest-earning state.
MADISON, Wis., — Wisconsin cow cheese and dairy product makers once again demonstrate the depth of the state’s cheesemaking expertise, capturing 106 awards, including one of the competition’s highest honors at the 2026 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition, in one of North America’s premier showcases of artisan cheese and cultured dairy products.
Leading Wisconsin’s standout cow’s milk showing, Marieke Gouda Golden Mature is named the Highest-Scoring American Original, and Marieke Gouda Mature earns a place among the competition’s Top 11 Best of Show, recognizing it as one of the best cheeses from more than 1,600 submissions across the Americas.
“These awards reflect the extraordinary skill, devotion and innovation of Wisconsin’s cheese and dairy product makers,” said Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “From time-honored traditions to new ideas and techniques, Wisconsin’s makers continue to pursue excellence. Recognition from fellow industry experts at the American Cheese Society is an honor and a testament to the craftsmanship that continues to define Wisconsin cheese.”
Wisconsin’s success showcases the breadth of talent across the state’s makers, with award-winning cheeses and dairy products spanning numerous styles and categories.
Among Wisconsin’s most-awarded cow cheese and dairy product makers:
- Klondike Cheese Company leads the state with 20 awards.
- BelGioioso Cheese Inc. and Schuman Cheese follow with nine awards each.
- Marieke Gouda earns eight awards.
- Arena Cheese Inc. and Deer Creek Cheese receive seven awards each.
- Widmer’s Cheese Cellars earns six awards.
Wisconsin’s continued success reflects generations of cheesemaking expertise, world-class milk and an unwavering commitment to quality, helping make the state a leader in specialty cheese, with more than 50% of the nation’s specialty cheese crafted in Wisconsin.
Home to more than 1,200 licensed cheesemakers, Wisconsin remains the only state in the nation to require a license before making cheese for sale. The state also offers the only Master Cheesemaker program outside of Switzerland, helping preserve generations of expertise while advancing the future of American cheesemaking.
To discover more award-winning Wisconsin cheeses and meet the makers behind them, visit WisconsinCheese.com.
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