By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin’s dairy producers once again proved their excellence on the global stage, earning an impressive 135 awards at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest.
The total includes 44 Best of Class honors more than any other state or country participating in the competition and more than the combined total of the next five highest-earning competitors.
The awards showcase the wide variety of high-quality cheeses and dairy products produced across Wisconsin. Producers also secured 43 second-place finishes and 48 third-place awards, demonstrating the consistent craftsmanship and expertise found throughout the state’s dairy industry.
“Wisconsin showed up on the global stage and took home more awards than any other state or country,” said Chad Vincent, CEO, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Cheese.
“At a world competition celebrating an incredible variety of dairy products, Wisconsin producers earn top honors across dozens of categories, reflecting the exceptional depth of knowledge, craftsmanship, and quality that defines our state.”
Wisconsin cheesemakers also achieved 22 class sweeps, capturing first, second, and third place within the same category. Decatur Dairy claimed the top three awards in both the Havarti and flavored Havarti classes, while Klondike Cheese Company’s Odyssey brand swept the flavored feta category.
In total, 38 Wisconsin cheese and dairy companies received at least one award. Agropur led the group with 11 awards, followed closely by Decatur Dairy Inc., which earned 10 honors. Deer Creek Cheese and Nasonville Dairy each secured Best of Class recognition in three different categories.
The contest featured more than 3,000 entries from 34 U.S. states and territories and 25 countries. International judges evaluated products across 148 categories, including cheese, butter, yogurt, and other dairy items, highlighting the global significance of Wisconsin’s dairy leadership.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Wisconsin, Business