World Cheese Awards: A History of Global Champions
The World Cheese Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement in the dairy world, bringing together the finest producers from across the globe to compete for the title of world champion. This prestigious competition evaluates a vast array of styles, from creamy bries to sharp cheddars and pungent blues, celebrating the artistry and science of cheesemaking.
Over the decades, the competition has grown significantly in scale. While early years focused on the quality of individual entries, recent events have seen a massive surge in participation, with thousands of cheeses being tasted and judged in cities ranging from London and Birmingham to San Sebastián and Bern.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Long-standing Tradition: The awards have been documenting champions since 1988.
- Growth in Scale: Entries have grown from under 3,000 in the early 2010s to over 5,000 by 2025.
- Dominant Varieties: Le Gruyère and various Cheddars have appeared frequently among the winners.
- Global Reach: Winning cheeses hail from diverse regions including Switzerland, France, the UK, Spain, Norway, and Portugal.
- Pandemic Impact: The only year without a competition was 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Evolution of the Competition
The World Cheese Awards have evolved from a specialized gathering into a massive international event. In 2013, the competition in Birmingham, England, saw 2,777 entries. By 2024, the event in Fundão, Portugal, had expanded to 4,786 entries, and the 2025 event in Bern, Switzerland, reached a record 5,244 cheeses.
The diversity of the winners reflects the global nature of the craft. While the early years saw a strong presence of British cheeses like Blue Cheshire and Mature Traditional Cheddar, later years have highlighted the excellence of European counterparts such as the Spanish Manchego and Norwegian Fanaost.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Notable Recurring Winners
Certain producers and varieties have demonstrated remarkable consistency. Le Gruyère, a Swiss-style cheese, has secured the top spot multiple times, with wins in 1992, 2002, 2005, 2015, 2022, and 2025. Similarly, Dairy Crest saw early success with multiple wins in the late 80s and 90s.
World Cheese Awards Champions Summary
| Year | Winning Cheese | Producer / Detail | Venue (if specified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Blue Cheshire | Hutchinson-Smith & Sons | - |
| 1990 | Mature Traditional Cheddar | Dairy Crest | - |
| 1992 | Le Gruyère Premier Cru | von Mühlenen | - |
| 1997 | Parmigiano Reggiano | Caseificio Vittorio Quistello | - |
| 2000 | Mature West Country Farmhouse Cheddar | Brue Valley Farms | - |
| 2006 | Ossau-Iraty | Fromagerie Agour | - |
| 2012 | Manchego DO Gran Reserva | Dehesa de Los Llanos | - |
| 2014 | Bath Blue | Bath Soft Cheese | London, England |
| 2019 | Rogue River Blue | Rogue Creamery | Bergamo, Italy |
| 2021 | Olavidia | Qesos y Besos | Oviedo, Spain |
| 2023 | Nidelven Blå | Gangstad Gårdsysteri | Trondheim, Norway |
| 2024 | Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado | Quinta do Pomar | Fundão, Portugal |
| 2025 | Le Gruyère AOP | Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen | Bern, Switzerland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cheese has won the World Cheese Awards most frequently?
Le Gruyère has been one of the most successful varieties, winning the championship in 1992, 2002, 2005, 2015, 2022, and 2025.
Was there a competition in 2020?
No, there was no competition held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How has the number of entries changed over time?
The competition has grown significantly; for example, it rose from 2,777 entries in 2013 to 5,244 entries by 2025.
Which countries have produced champion cheeses?
Champion cheeses have come from a wide variety of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Norway, and Portugal.
What is the most recent champion cheese?
The 2025 champion is Le Gruyère AOP produced by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, awarded in Bern, Switzerland.