California Cheeses Awarded More Medals Than Any Other State

California Cheeses Awarded More Medals Than Any Other State

Business Wire

MODESTO, Calif. -- Cow's milk cheesemakers from California won more awards than any other state at the 2006 World Cheese Awards, one of the most prestigious cheesemaking competitions in the world. California cow's milk cheeses took home 13 medals in this year's judging, including three gold medals, three silver medals and seven bronze medals.

In the past three years, California producers have won a total of 24 awards in the World Cheese Awards' competitive cow's milk cheese categories. This year, seven California cow's milk cheese producers won medals. Top winners included Marin French Cheese Company with five awards, and Fiscalini Cheese Company and Mozzarella Fresca with two awards each.

"The World Cheese Awards recognize the best of the best internationally," said Nancy Fletcher, Vice President of Communications for the California Milk Advisory Board. "Our continued success is a tribute to the high quality of cheese produced in California."

California winners for 2006 included:

--Marin French Cheese Company, Petaluma, for Petit Dejeuner (Gold), Wild Blackberry Quark (Gold), Garlic Brie (Bronze), Pesto Brie (Bronze) and Petit Creme (Bronze)

--Fiscalini Cheese Company, Modesto, for San Joaquin Gold (Silver) and Bandage Wrapped Premium Cheddar (Bronze)

--Mozzarella Fresca, Benicia, for Fresh Mozzarella -- Acid Set (Gold) and Fresh Mozzarella -- Cryovac (Bronze)

--Bravo Farms, Visalia, for Western Sage Cheddar (Silver)

--Cantare Foods, San Diego, for Whole Milk Mozzarella Boconcini (Silver)

--Bellwether Farms, Petaluma, for Carmody Semi Hard Cows' Milk Unpressed (Bronze)

--Winchester Cheese Company, Winchester, for Sharp Gouda (Bronze).

The 2006 World Cheese Awards were held June 14 in London as part of the Taste of London food show. Cheesemakers from around the world submitted more than 1,500 entries to the competition.

California is the nation's leading milk producer and also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and is home to more than 50 cheesemakers who produce 250 varieties and styles.