In a competitive market, companies are winning awards and innovating.

Younger generations use the snacks they buy as social signalers.

The Schuman Cheese brand's 36-month aged Copper Kettle took first in its category.

Products featuring the Real California Milk seal totaled 31 honors.

Six first place awards went to the Green Bay, Wis., cheese manufacturer.

The cooperative collected 14 awards in total at two competitions.

The company’s Queso Fresco and Sierra Cotija Cheese received first place awards.

Wisconsin products using cow milk received 28% of the contest's medals.

The American Cheese Society Judging & Competition awarded first place to two of the company's products.

The Maine-based company had the top product in the open cheeses with flavor added category.