Australian Dairy Producers Made Waves at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

In the 2026 edition of the contest, a total of 3,375 dairy products from 25 countries and 34 U.S. states and territories were evaluated across 150 categories. The judging categories included a diverse array of dairy products such as butter, yogurt, cheese, and whey, showcasing the extensive range of entries and the competition’s comprehensive nature.

This year’s competition saw Australia’s finest dairy brands and producers earn top honors, reinforcing the nation’s reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainable farming.

Among the Top Award Winners:

1^st place:

• Fonterra Brands Australia (Tasmania) | Category: Cheddar Sharp (6 months to 1 year)
• Fonterra Brands Australia (Victoria) | Category: Butter Cultured
• Fresco Cheese (Queensland) | Category: Open Class – Soft Cheeses
• Woodside Cheese Wrights (South Australia) | Category: Soft Goat’s Milk Cheeses, Flavored
• Woodside Cheese Wrights (South Australia) | Category: Open Class – All Other Milk Cheese

2^nd place: 

• Australian Consolidated Milk (Victoria) | Category: Cheddar (aged 1 to 2 years)
• Berry’s Creek Gourmet Cheese (Victoria) | Category: Blue Veined Cheeses with Exterior Molding
• Berry’s Creek Gourmet Cheese (Victoria) | Category: Open Class – All Other Milk Cheese

3^rd place:

• Floridia Cheese (Victoria) | Category: Open Class – Pepper Flavored Cheese, Medium Heat
• Fonterra Brands Australia (Victoria) | Category: Cheddar Sharp (6 months to 1 year)
• Summer Land Camels (Queensland) | Category: Open Class – All Other Milk Cheese

Joan Morgan, Senior Trade Director Food Industry North America at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, commented:

“Australia’s dairy sector is founded on natural farming practices and a dedication to quality. Our producers merge traditional techniques with advanced technology to provide dairy products that are recognized globally for their purity, flavor, and nutritional value. 

The achievements at the World Championship Cheese Contest are a testament to the dedication and expertise of Australian farmers and processors, and we are excited to see Australian cheese and dairy continue to make an impact on the world stage.”

The Australian dairy sector craft some of the world’s finest dairy products and has recently launched ambitious plans to further boost productivity and sustainability, with industry bodies and government collaborating to support growth, innovation, and international competitiveness. These initiatives are designed to ensure that Australian dairy remains a leader in quality and environmental stewardship.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission congratulates all participating producers and looks forward to continued success.

About The World Championship Cheese Contest

The World Championship Cheese Contest is recognized as the largest and most prestigious dairy competition in the Americas, organized by the Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association. This highly technical contest is esteemed globally, with even a mere Mention in a category being a significant achievement, as many entries are narrowly close to top awards.

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)

Austrade is an Australian Government agency that connects Australian businesses to the world and the world to Australian business.