What's Happening?
Seven dairy manufacturers from central and northern Wisconsin are set to compete in the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison. The event, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, will feature 3,375 entries from 25 countries and 34
U.S. states. The competition, held biennially since 1957, is the largest technical dairy products evaluation in the world. The participating Wisconsin businesses include Foremost Farms USA, Lactalis, Land O’Lakes, Lynn Dairy Inc., Marieke Gouda, Nasonville Dairy, and Weber’s Farm Store.
Why It's Important?
The World Championship Cheese Contest is a prestigious event that provides significant exposure and technical feedback to participating dairy manufacturers. For Wisconsin, a state renowned for its cheese production, this competition is an opportunity to showcase its dairy industry's quality and innovation on an international stage. Success in the contest can enhance the reputation of local businesses, potentially leading to increased sales and market expansion. The event also highlights the importance of maintaining high standards in dairy production, which can benefit consumers through improved product quality.
What's Next?
The contest will take place from March 3-5, with public viewing available on the first two days. The announcement of the World Champion will be livestreamed, allowing a global audience to witness the results. The participating businesses will receive valuable feedback from industry experts, which can be used to refine their products. The competition may also influence future trends in cheese production and marketing strategies within the dairy industry.
