As fans tune in to championship games and elite competitions across the nation and around the world, Wisconsin is celebrating victories of its own on the cheese board. For decades, Wisconsin cheeses have been standing in the winners’ circle, earning championship recognition and top honors in competitions worldwide.
How many awards have Wisconsin cheeses won?
Much like elite athletes, Wisconsin cheese is defined by discipline, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Since 1995, Wisconsin has won more awards for cheese than any other state or country, with a medal count surpassing 7,600 as of 2025. From local competitions to global championships, Wisconsin cheese has become the gold standard, proudly representing the state wherever it competes.
How many cheeses are made in Wisconsin?
That success comes from remarkable depth and variety. Cheesemakers in Wisconsin produce more than 600 varieties, types, and styles of cheese, each excelling in their own “sport.” From mozzarella and muenster to gouda and gorgonzola, Wisconsin cheeses consistently rise to the top of their respective categories. Behind every award-winning cheese is a team effort, guided by seasoned “coaches,” or Wisconsin’s 1,200 licensed cheesemakers, and supported by nearly 5,100 dairy farming families who bring generations of knowledge and care to their craft.
What is the economic importance of Wisconsin cheese?
Family is at the heart of Wisconsin dairy, with 95% of the state’s dairy farms being family-owned. Nearly 40% of dairy companies are multi-generational, too, with a few even spanning four generations. Some of these families have been crafting cheese for more than 180 years, creating a legacy that helps explain why Wisconsin is the most awarded cheesemaking location in the world.
Wisconsin accounts for 25% of the nation’s cheese supply, leading in the production of cheddar, mozzarella, feta, Romano, provolone, Parmesan, Muenster, and specialty cheeses. As if our cheesemaking dominance weren’t evident enough, 90% of the milk produced in Wisconsin is made into cheese, and 90% of that cheese is sold outside the state. In fact, you can find Wisconsin cheese in 99% of grocery stores nationwide, and even in some grocery stores in other countries! Wisconsin cheese certainly holds its own no matter which global city it may be found.
Do you need a license to make cheese?
Wisconsin’s commitment to excellence is unmatched. The state is the only one in the nation that requires a license to make cheese and is home to the only Master Cheesemaker program outside of Europe. This experience and expertise allow cheesemakers to coach, craft, and mold their competitive cheeses to the highest caliber possible. These elite standards ensure that every bite lives up to Wisconsin’s world-class cheesemaking reputation.
Consumers looking to bring home their own championship-worthy dairy can easily identify Wisconsin products at the grocery store, in markets, or at local retailers. Shoppers can look for the “Proudly Wisconsin” badge on cheese and other dairy items, or the number “55” on milk packaging, which signifies Wisconsin origin. Buying local not only ensures top-quality products but also supports family-owned farms and small businesses while keeping dollars close to home. Supporting local underlies the importance of maintaining the powerful economic engine of Wisconsin dairy, which generates an annual economic impact of $52.8 billion.
From farm to creamery to podium, Wisconsin cheese continues to bring home the gold. For a full list of Wisconsin cheesemakers and where to find their products, visit https://www.wisconsincheese.com/our-cheese/our-makers.