Brazilian cheeses earned gold, silver, and bronze medals at the World Cheese Awards, the 37th edition held in Switzerland. Results were announced on Thursday (13) after judging 5,244 products from 46 countries. The world's best cheese was a Swiss Gruyère.
The World Cheese Awards, one of the top international cheese competitions, revealed the winners of its 37th edition on Thursday (13), at an event in Switzerland. A specialist jury assessed 5,244 cheeses from 46 countries based on appearance, aroma, body, texture, and flavor. The judging unfolded in three stages: first, groups of two or three jurors awarded bronze, silver, gold, and super gold medals; then, 14 experts reviewed super golds to select the 14 finalists; finally, they chose the world champion.
Among the standouts, 24 Brazilian cheeses made with pasteurized milk received awards. The golds include Queijo Azul Tirolez (Tirolez), Queijo da Nona (Queijos Possamai), Ribeirão (Queijo com Sotaque), and Tipo Reblochon (Serra das Antas). Silvers feature Abaporu (Bioparque), Amazonito and Benzinho (Queijaria Bela Fazenda), Cruzília (Laticínios São João), Gorgonzola Duplo Creme and Lua Cheia (Serra das Antas), Laranjal (Queijo com Sotaque), Parahyba (Queijaria Santa Vitória), Queijo do Bispo (Queijos Possamai), Queijo Parmesão Tirolez (Tirolez), São Marcelino 21 dias (Bioparque), and Seramar (Queijaria Boca da Serra). Bronzes are Creme de Ricota and Queijo Cremíssimo Tirolez (Tirolez), Goró and Pampa (Queijaria Bela Fazenda), Neblina 3 meses (Vale do Vento), Queijo Provolone Curado Defumado (Tirolez), Ricota Fresca de Leite de Búfala (Laticínio Almeida Prado), and Tipo Gorgonzola Dolce (Bueno Brandão).
The world’s best cheese title went to AOP Vorderfultigen Spezial, a Swiss Gruyère with 18 months maturation, praised for its crystalline texture and "full-bodied and umami" flavor. The winning producer said: "It’s a great honor for me and for all the daily work we dedicate to this, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It’s an honor for all the time the cheese spends with us, about 20 months. The whole team will be very proud and I’m eager to see the impact this will have on our business. But first, we need to decide how to celebrate."
Second place was Crémeux des Aldudes aux Fleurs, a French cheese from Etxaldia decorated with flowers. Third was Appenzeller Edel-Würzig, a Swiss entry from Käserei Ifang. Other super golds came from Japan, Slovakia, USA, Netherlands, and UK.