Artikaas Turns Up the Heat with Gold Win for Smoked Jalapeño Gouda at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest
March 11, 2026 | 2 min to read
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. – Artikaas, imported exclusively by Dutch Cheese Makers, is proud to announce that Artikaas Smoked Jalapeño Gouda has been awarded Gold / Best of Class at the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest, earning an impressive 99.13 score in the Pasteurized Process Cheese Product category.
Known for its creamy Dutch Gouda base, natural beechwood smokiness, and subtle jalapeño heat, Smoked Jalapeño Gouda stood out among competitors for its balanced flavor and smooth texture. The award highlights Artikaas’ continued commitment to crafting high-quality Dutch cheeses that combine traditional techniques with bold, crowd-pleasing flavors.
The 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest, held in Madison, Wisconsin, is one of the most prestigious technical cheese competitions in the world, drawing thousands of entries from top cheesemakers across the globe.
Artikaas also earned strong placements across multiple categories. Vintage Lot 18 placed 4th in the Gouda Extra Aged category with an impressive 99.525 score, building on its recognition as First RunnerUp at the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest. Vintage Lot 36 placed 5th in the same category with a 99.41 score, celebrated for its crystalline texture and deeply layered flavor. Youngsters Hickory Smoked Gouda also secured 5th place in the Smoked Gouda category with a 97.3 score.
“Smoked Jalapeño Gouda brings a little excitement to the Gouda family,” said Steve Margarites, President and CEO of Dutch Cheese Makers. “It’s wonderful to see it recognized on a global stage.”
Smoked Jalapeño Gouda is available in 6 oz pre-cuts, 6 lb logs, and 7 oz slices, making it a versatile option for specialty retailers, foodservice, and consumers alike.
For more information about Artikaas, visit Artikaas.com or watch their brand video.
ABOUT ARTIKAAS
Artikaas has been making original Dutch Gouda for the most demanding cheese eaters in Holland and beyond for over six generations. A family-owned brand, Artikaas works with a community of 800+ partners in the Netherlands who bring vast expertise in dairy farming, cheesemaking, and aging techniques to create a variety of young, aged, raw milk, smoked, and specialty cheeses. Artikaas prioritizes sustainability and puts zero-waste practices at the forefront of its production processes. You can find Artikaas Gouda in retailers across the United States and Canada. Visit their store locator to find it near you at artikaas.com.