CHICAGO – Dairy products from Lactalis brands garnered 15 medals in total at the 2022 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition.

Between the honored cheeses and butters from Lactalis brands Galbani, Président, Bella Gento, Balderson and Lactantia, the portfolio left the competition in Portland, Ore., with four first-place, six second-place and five third-place finishes in various categories.

Balderson 5-year-old cheddar earned first in the category of mature cheddar aged 48 or more months (all milks), while Balderson’s aged spread secured the top spot in the open category cold pack and club cheeses (all milks).

Lactantia butters were first in two separate categories, as well. The brand’s unsalted butter was first in the unsalted butter with or without cultures category (cow’s milk) and Lactantia salted butter was deemed the best in the salted butter with or without cultures (cow’s milk) category.

All four of the first-place products were produced at Lactalis Canada’s Winchester, Ontario, location.

The second-place finishers from the Lactalis portfolio were Bella Gento Mascarpone, Galbani 16 oz fresh mozzarella log, Galbani 8 oz pearl thermoform ball, Galbani 8 oz ovoline cup, burrata 8 oz and Président 3 kg brie with herbs whole wheel.

The following products from the dairy manufacturer’s brands received third place: Galbani classic ricotta, Président 1 kg brie wheel, Galbani 8 oz pearl cups, Galbani 6 lb provolone and another variety of Balderson 5-year-old cheddar.

“We are honored to see the broad Lactalis portfolio of cheese products receive such high honors from an esteemed institution like the ACS,” said Esteve Torrens, chief executive officer for Lactalis USA. “This recognition by the United States cheese making industry reflects the teamwork and dedication of the Lactalis family of employees who work each day to inspire and delight our customers and consumers with high-quality, delicious cheese products that bring families and friends together in the United States, Canada and around the world.”  

The ACS competition included 1,387 cheeses from 196 companies. A complete list of the 380 awards bestowed this year can be found online at the ACS website.

Earlier in 2022, Lactalis brand cheeses totaled nine gold medals in various categories at the World Championship Cheese Contest.