What’s happening: The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) kicked off the new year by sharing some good news from Norway, where two Michigan cheesemakers won high praise at the 2023 World Cheese Awards held in Trondheim that fall. The World Cheese Awards, hosted by the Guild of Fine Food, is touted as the world’s largest cheese-only competition.
Why it’s important: "The World Cheese Awards is like the Super Bowl Championship for cheesemakers around the globe. It is wonderful to see Michigan's artisan cheesemakers receiving international recognition," says Tim Boring, MDARD Director. "Michigan's artisan cheesemakers focus on making small-batch cheeses with unique styles and flavor profiles, and the results speak for themselves. Congratulations to both companies for their success at the 2023 World Cheese Awards."
Super Gold (and more): Based in Suttons Bay,
Leelanau Cheese Co. was awarded the contest’s highest ranking, Super Gold, for its Leelanau Raclette. The raclette cheese is a traditional herdsman’s cheese and Leelanau Cheese Co.’s award-winning take on the classic type utilizes Leelanau County milk in its handmade recipe. Of the 4,202 cheeses to compete in this year’s contest, the Leelanau Raclette was just one of 100 cheeses to take home a Super Gold award. The company also won Gold for its Leelanau Reserve, an aged race late.
What they’re saying: "A big part of winning this award is recognizing that we have access to the best milk the USA has to offer," reads a statement from managing partner and cheesemaker Gary Smith. "Brinks Creamery, DeVor Dairy Farm and Creamery, and Norwood Centennial Farms are integral parts of our success at Leelanau Cheese Company. It's impossible to make high quality cheese without high quality milk!"
Back-to-back-to-back-to…: Also having a good time in Norway was
Idyll Farms of Northport, who won silver awards for three hand-crafted goat cheeses, Idyll Pastures, Idyll Pastures Fennel Pollen, and Spreadable Idyll Pastures; and a bronze award for Idyll Pastures with Garlic and Herb. The goat cheese specialists have won 35 American Cheese Society awards, nine World Championship Cheese Awards, five U.S. Championship Cheese Awards, eight World Cheese Awards, and a Good Foods Award, and all since 2014.
Winner’s circle: "We are delighted to have won four more awards at this year's World Cheese Awards for our fresh, Idyll Pastures line," says Amy Spitznagel, owner of Idyll Farms. "Throughout the decade of producing cheese, we have proven ourselves to be competitive on an international scale. We pride ourselves on making the healthiest and tastiest G.O.A.T. cheese while improving the planet by using regenerative farming practices."
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