The 2023 World Cheese Awards have honored Michigan cheesemakers for their outstanding efforts as two companies from the state have been awarded prestigious medals for their exquisite cheese products: Leelanau Cheese Co. won a Super Gold medal while Idyll Farms earned three silver awards and one bronze award. This impressive selection speaks to the incredible skill and innovation of Michigan’s artisanal cheesemakers, showcasing the state’s prowess and achievements in the global cheese industry.
The World Cheese Awards is widely considered the pinnacle of cheesemaking excellence, and this year’s competition was no exception. Thousands of entries from all over the world were judged on flavor, texture, and overall quality. It is with immense pride that we announce two Michigan-based companies have been lauded for their outstanding efforts in the 2023 competition: Leelanau Cheese Co. and Idyll Farms. Both companies were rewarded with prestigious awards, with Leelanau Cheese Co. even earning a Super Gold medal for its amazing product. These impressive achievements demonstrate the incredible skill and innovation of Michigan’s artisanal cheesemakers and bring honor to the state’s cheese industry on the global stage.
The Leelanau Cheese Co. of Suttons Bay, Michigan, achieved remarkable success at the 2023 World Cheese Awards, receiving a Super Gold designation for their Leelanau Raclette. This prestigious honor is only awarded to a select few cheeses that display extraordinary excellence. Created with local milk and crafted with expert care, Leelanau Raclette wowed the judges with its exceptional taste. Out of 4,202 entries from 40 countries, this traditional herdsman’s cheese rose to the top and was one of only 100 cheeses to receive the Super Gold award.
Idyll Farms of Northport also made a remarkable showing at the 2023 World Cheese Awards, earning Silver awards for three handcrafted goat cheeses: Idyll Pastures, Idyll Pastures Fennel Pollen, and Spreadable Idyll Pastures. In addition to these awards, Idyll Farms was proud to receive a Bronze award for its Idyll Pastures with Garlic and Herb. This recognition speaks to the dedicated craftsmanship and commitment to sustainable practices, such as managed intensive rotational grazing, that goes into creating the farmstead’s exceptional goat cheeses.
Michigan’s success at this esteemed competition is a testament to the state’s emergence as a leader in the global cheese market.
Artisan cheesemakers from Michigan demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, as evidenced by the recognition received by Leelanau Cheese Co. and Idyll Farms at the World Cheese Awards. This triumph speaks to the superior quality and unique flavor profiles of the small-batch cheeses crafted in Michigan, highlighting the talent and dedication of the state’s cheese industry.
The success of Leelanau Cheese Co and Idyll Farms at the 2023 World Cheese Awards undoubtedly demonstrates Michigan’s expertise in high-quality, delicious cheeses. Their phenomenal accomplishments not only validate their exquisite products but also honor the remarkable hard work, skillful craftsmanship, and innovation that is ingrained in the state’s cheese industry. As these awards clearly show, Michigan cheesemakers are some of the best — and tastiest — in the world.
