Global Acclaim for India
Indian cheese has firmly established its presence on the international stage, culminating in a significant victory at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil,
the Brazilian World Cheese Championship. This prestigious event, which concluded on April 19th, saw Indian dairy products garner a remarkable total of four medals. The accolades included one coveted Super Gold, two Gold medals, and one Silver medal, showcasing the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Indian cheesemakers. This impressive performance marks a proud moment for the nation's burgeoning artisanal dairy sector, highlighting its potential to compete and excel among global leaders. The success story has also been acknowledged at the highest levels, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi extending his congratulations to the winning producers, underscoring the growing global recognition of India's dairy expertise.
Award-Winning Selections
The highest honor, the Super Gold medal, was bestowed upon Eleftheria Gulmarg, a Brie-style cheese that captivated the judges with its superior craftsmanship and overall quality. Following this outstanding achievement, two Gold medals were secured by Yak Churpi-Soft, a product from Nordic Farm in Leh, Ladakh, and Eleftheria Brunost, a distinguished whey cheese. Rounding out the impressive haul, the Silver medal was awarded to Eleftheria Kaali Miri, a cheese crafted in the style of Belper Knolle. These winning entries are a testament to the innovative spirit of Indian cheesemakers, who skillfully blend time-honored traditional methods with contemporary culinary advancements. The Yak Churpi-Soft, for instance, exemplifies how a cherished regional product from Ladakh has been thoughtfully adapted to appeal to diverse international palates, demonstrating a keen understanding of global taste preferences while retaining its unique character.
A Boost for Artisanal Dairy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to express his admiration for the Indian cheesemakers, acknowledging their pivotal role in elevating India's dairy craftsmanship on a worldwide platform. He specifically lauded the contributions of Mausam Narang and Thenlay Nurboo, recognizing their dedicated efforts in bringing artisanal and small-scale producers into the global spotlight. The Prime Minister's statement highlighted that these achievements serve as a powerful indicator of the increasing international appreciation for India's artisanal dairy sector. The sentiment was echoed by enthusiastic users online, with one commenter noting the surprising yet delightful success, stating, 'India quietly doing things while nobody’s watching, and then showing up to a Brazilian cheese competition and podium-finishing. Respect.' Another user expressed pride, remarking, 'Proud of every hand that milks, every mind that innovates, every palate that now savours India on the world cheese board.'
