India’s artisanal food scene just found an unlikely global hero: cheese. At the prestigious Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, Indian cheesemakers didn’t just participate, they stood out with a four-medal
haul that has quietly shifted how the world looks at desi dairy.
In a landmark moment for India’s burgeoning artisanal dairy scene, four homegrown cheeses made a triumphant debut at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, also known as the Brazilian World Cheese Championship. Held from April 16 to 19 in São Paulo, the competition drew entries from over 30 countries and is revered as one of the most respected platforms for cheese excellence.
India’s impressive haul—one Super Gold, two Golds, and one Silver, has put the country firmly on the international cheese map, earning praise from no less than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Held in São Paulo, the competition brought together entries from over 30 countries and hundreds of expert judges, making it one of the most credible global platforms for cheese and dairy innovation.
What are the Indian Cheeses that Won At Mundial do Queijo do Brasil?
Leading the charge with the highest honour, Super Gold, was Eleftheria Gulmarg, a creamy Brie-style cheese crafted by Mausam Narang of Eleftheria Cheese in Mumbai. Made with cow’s milk, this soft, buttery cheese impressed judges with its refined balance, earthy notes, and flawless ripening—remarkable for a relatively new producer.
Two Golds added to the glory. Yak Churpi-Soft from Nordic Farm in Leh, Ladakh, produced by Thenlay Nurboo, celebrates Himalayan terroir. This softer, gourmet adaptation of traditional hard churpi uses nutrient-rich yak milk, delivering a dense yet yielding texture with rustic, tangy flavours shaped by high-altitude conditions.
The other Gold went to Eleftheria Brunost, an innovative whey cheese inspired by Norwegian brunost. Slowly simmered to caramelisation, it offers a smooth, fudge-like consistency and sweet butterscotch notes that highlight precise craftsmanship.
Completing the medal tally with Silver was Eleftheria Kaali Miri, a semi-hard Belper Knolle-style cheese from the same Mumbai producer. Coated in aromatic black pepper (kaali miri), it features a firm, slightly crumbly bite with creamy richness elevated by spicy, pungent layers—perfect for bold flavour pairings.
Cheese from India makes its mark globally…
India made an impressive debut at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, which is a vibrant international competition for cheese and dairy products. Four Indian products won medals, including 1 Super Gold, 2 Golds and 1 Silver.
The…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2026
PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the win, writing: “Cheese from India makes its mark globally… Congratulations to Mausam Narang and Thenlay Nurboo.” He highlighted how these achievements underscore the global rise of India’s artisanal dairy sector, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.
This win carries weight because for years, India has been one of the largest milk producers in the world, yet its presence in the global cheese conversation remained limited. Meanwhile, what we are seeing now is a new wave of small-batch producers, often working with regional milk varieties and local techniques, gaining international acclaim.
