TILLAMOOK, ORE. – Tillamook County Creamery Association’s trip to Stafford, England, for the 2023 International Cheese and Dairy Awards proved prosperous, as the Oregon-based cooperative secured 12 awards in total, including four gold medals.
Tillamook’s Maker's Reserve 2021 Cheddar and its Farmers' Collection English Style Sweet Cheddar each won in separate best USA cheese classes, while Jalapeño Honey Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (specialty soft or cream cheese with additives) and Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar (naturally smoked cheese) also sat atop the rankings in their respective classes.
The cooperative earned four silver medals, thanks to its Farmers' Collection English Style Sweet Cheddar (best USA cheese), Chive & Onion Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (specialty soft or cream cheese with additives), Farmers' Collection English Style Sweet Cheddar (vintage cheddar cheese) and Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Cheddar (naturally smoked cheese).
Its bronze medal-winners were Seriously Strawberry Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (specialty soft or cream cheese with additives), Maker's Reserve 2018 Extra Sharp White Cheddar (vintage cheddar cheese), Chive & Onion Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (cheese spread) and Tillamook Maker's Reserve 2012 Extra Sharp White Cheddar (celebrity chef award).
"We are feeling proud and honored to have so many of our products recognized at this year's International Cheese and Dairy Awards," said Jill Allen, director of product excellence for Tillamook. "This prestigious competition has been celebrating cheese and dairy products for 125 years, and to have our high-quality products recognized out of 5,500 entries – taking home two golds in Best USA Cheese – is incredibly special."
The complete list of this year’s winners can be found online at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards website.