The international cheese competition World Cheese Awards 2023 ended in Norway with the announcement of the final results. This year, 4,502 cheeses from forty-three countries on five continents were judged and tested by more than 260 international judges.
Greece achieved remarkable results and high marks from the judges. Eleven Greek cheeses secured positions in the global top ranks and earned accolades, for example the gold, silver, and bronze.
Best Greek Cheeses
The truly golden result was awarded to a Greek cheese called Truffeta. This unique product became the only Greek cheese to be honored with the Gold award in the competition. This cheese is a harmonious blend of Greek pasteurized sheep’s and goat’s milk, infused with the tart flavors of summer truffle.
The distinct scents of the truffle seamlessly intertwine with the natural, delicate aromas, and refreshing acidity of feta, creating a unique sensory experience that was rightfully celebrated at the competition. Four Greek cheeses received silver awards. Among them is OLYMPUS Feta Cheese P.D.O. by Hellenic Dairies S.A., Doukidis Feta Cheese P.D.O. by Doukidis I. & Sons Co, Simply Better Greek Barrel Aged Feta by Horgan’s Delicatessen Supplies Ltd, and another delicacy—Kourellas Says Tartufeta cheese with truffle by Kourellas S.A.
As for bronze awards, this category turned out to be the most fruitful for Greek producers. The jury selected six Greek cheeses as bronze winners. EPIROS Organic Feta P.D.O cheese by Optima SA, Kourellas Says Classic Anevato P.D.O. cheese from Sheep milk, and GRAVIERA SHEEP AND GOAT MILK by BAZIOTAKIS BROS & CO “ARCADIA DAIRY” received their well-deserved awards.
Additionally, Kefalaki Korifon by Tyria Koryfon, GREEK CONVENTIONAL FETA CHEESE PDO by GREEK FAMILY FARM S.A and Doukidis Cows’ Milk Cheese by Doukidis I. & Sons Co. also got bronze.
World’s Best Cheeses 2023
As for the world’s best cheeses, sixteen exceptional products claimed the top honors. The coveted title of the best cheese went to Norway with their Nidelven Blå cheese taking the lead. This handmade, semi-solid blue cheese is crafted just two hours away from Trondheim, the host city of this year’s awards. In a close second was Belgium’s Baliehof Houtlandse Asche Kaas, a hard, unpasteurized cow’s milk cheese. Switzerland’s Eberle Würzig Seit 5 Generationen secured the third spot, while Eleftheria Brunost from India proudly claimed fourth place.
Other places in the top ten were as follows:
- Müller-Thurgau Rezent from Käserei Müller-Thurgau (Switzerland)
- Kärntnermilch Mölltaler Almkäse Selektion 50% FiT. from Kärntnermilch (Austria)
- Michel from Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz (Germany)
- 8. Holland Delta, 1 Year Old from Van der Heiden Kaas (Netherlands)
- Old Amsterdam Goat from Westland Kaasexport (Netherlands)
- Parmigiano Reggiano 30-39 Months from Nazionale Parmigiano Reggiano Rastelli Fratelli (Italy)
Cheeses from Cyprus
In addition to Greek cheeses, the exceptional products from Cyprus have also caught the discerning eye of the jury. Cheeses of Cyprus received one silver and two bronze awards. Here, special attention was given to the local gastronomic gem—halloumi. Thus, 100% Sheep’s Halloumi by A. P. Polycarpou & Sons Farm Ltd became a silver medalist. FRESH UNSALTED ANARI by the same company and P.D.O. CYPRUS HALLOUMI CHEESE WITH GOAT’S MILK by Charalambides Christis Ltd were awarded bronze.
Source: Greek Reporter
