MADISON, WIS. – Mascarpone created by Schuman Cheese, buttermilk made by Turner Dairy Farms, and ice cream formulated by Umpqua Dairy emerged at the top winners at the 2024 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest.

The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA), which sponsors the contest, shared that those three dairy processors each received the distinction of grand champion at this year’s competition, which featured entries in 93 classes of dairy products.

Judges selected Cello Maple Mascarpone from Schuman as Cheese and Butter Grand Champion, Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk from Turner as Grade A Champion, and Classic Lemon Bar Ice Cream by Umpqua as Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato Grand Champion.

Made at Schuman’s Lake County Dairy facility in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, Cello Maple Mascarpone boasts a pure maple syrup taste with sweet caramel notes. The plant’s manager, Gary Gosda, called the award “very special,” because employees at the facility created it, developed it through trials and delivered the finished product.

“Combining two of Wisconsin’s best products — cheese and maple syrup — how can you go wrong?” Gosda said. “We love our cheese and pushing the bar higher in quality and flavor. We have a passion and culture in our employees that is second to none, and contest wins really put that gold stamp of approval on all the cheeses the Lake Country Dairy team makes day after day.”

Pittsburgh-based Turner Dairy Farms makes its award-winning product with pasteurized, cultured whole buttermilk that also contains butter flakes.

"Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk showcases our core values in action: perfect products, perfect service, treat people right,” said Turner Dairy product manager George Fix. “Perfect products crafted with exceptional quality and care, perfect service by delivering a seamless and satisfying experience, and treating people right by fostering respectful and supportive relationships.”

Umpqua Dairy, Roseburg, Oregon, describes its grand champion Classic Lemon Bar Ice Cream as a zesty combination of lemon ice cream swirled with creamy lemon revel and small bits of lemon shortbread.

"The flavor is fantastic, and our customers absolutely love it,” said Umpqua Dairy general manager Marty Weaver. “We are honored by this award and very proud of the production team here at Umpqua Dairy for their commitment and dedication to providing our consumers with the highest quality dairy products."

WDPA executive director Amy Winters said dairy processors entered “incredible products” for the competition and the three grand champions set a high bar.

"As the dairy industry continues to grow and innovate, this contest provides an excellent opportunity for processors to showcase their products while also benefiting from valuable feedback from the judges," Winters said.

Along with the trio of grand champions, winners of first, second and third place in each class will receive their awards at the World Dairy Expo, Oct. 1 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The complete list of winners from the 2024 competition is available online via the WDPA website.