HILMAR, CALIF. – Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. was among the dairy processing companies recognized during CheeseCon 2023 for winning a gold medal at the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest. 

The company’s Hilmar 8000 whey protein concentrate took the top honor in the whey protein concentrate 80 category, with a score of 99.95. Judges described the product as “very clean.”

The 80% whey protein concentrate from Hilmar is derived from fresh, sweet dairy whey that is processed through a cross-flow filtration process and spray dried, the company shared. Hilmar said that the product is a good source of high-quality protein and is ideal for a number of food and nutritional applications.

Additionally, Hilmar’s 9000 whey protein isolate took third in the whey protein isolate 90 category.

“We are thrilled with this recognition for our whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate,” said Kyle Jensen, vice president, global sales and marketing. “It is the first year we have entered this prestigious competition and these awards are a true testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams to produce high-quality, consistent product to meet the needs of our customers.”

California-based Hilmar specializes in producing cheddar and American style cheeses for private label and national brand companies throughout the world, and its ingredients division manufactures and markets whey protein and lactose products.

The full list of gold, silver and bronze award winners from each class of the competition can be found online at the US Championship Cheese Contest website. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association hosts the contest and CheeseCon.