Wisconsin Cheese Makers Earn 106 Honors at ACS Awards

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin’s cheesemakers once again earned national recognition at the 2026 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition, bringing home 106 awards in one of North America’s most respected competitions for artisan cheese and cultured dairy products.

Among the state’s top achievements, Marieke Gouda Golden Mature was named the Highest-Scoring American Original, while Marieke Gouda Mature secured a place in the competition’s Top 11 Best of Show. The distinction recognizes it as one of the finest cheeses selected from more than 1,600 entries submitted from 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 producers were recognized across a wide variety of cheese and dairy categories, highlighting the state’s longstanding reputation for quality and innovation in specialty dairy products.

Klondike Cheese Company led all Wisconsin producers with 20 awards. BelGioioso Cheese Inc. and Schuman Cheese each received nine honors, while Marieke Gouda earned eight.

Arena Cheese Inc. and Deer Creek Cheese collected seven awards apiece, and Widmer’s Cheese Cellars finished with six awards.

Wisconsin’s continued success is supported by generations of cheesemaking expertise, premium-quality milk, and a strong commitment to craftsmanship. The state produces more than half of all specialty cheese made in the United States.

Home to more than 1,200 licensed cheesemakers, Wisconsin is the only U.S. state that requires cheesemakers to obtain a license before producing cheese for sale.

It also operates the only Master Cheesemaker program outside Switzerland, preserving traditional skills while fostering innovation for future generations.

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