By Blake Jackson
The prestigious 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest is underway in Madison, Wisconsin, with over 3,300 cheese, yogurt, butter, and dry dairy products vying for top honors. This biennial competition, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) since 1957, is the largest technical evaluation of dairy products in the world.
From now until March 7th, a team of 53 international experts, including cheese graders, buyers, scientists, and researchers, will meticulously judge each entry across 142 categories. The public has a unique opportunity to witness the judging process firsthand and even sample some of the entries during preliminary rounds held on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 3pm at the Monona Terrace convention center.
The culmination of this highly anticipated event will be the live announcement of the 2024 World Champion Cheese, streamed online on March 7th at 2pm CT. This prestigious title not only brings immense recognition to the winning producer but also serves as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication within the global dairy industry.
John Umhoefer, Executive Director of the WCMA, emphasizes the significance of the competition: "We're honored to celebrate the artistry, skill, and passion of dairy manufacturers worldwide. This unique event offers them a valuable platform to reach new customers, achieve national recognition, and gain valuable technical feedback from the industry's top experts."
With entries hailing from 25 countries and a diverse judging panel, the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest promises to be a testament to the global excellence and innovation within the dairy industry. So, mark your calendars and tune in on March 7th to witness the crowning of the world's best cheese!
Photo Credit: world-championship-cheese-contest
Categories: Wisconsin, Business