THORP, Wis., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The biennial US Championship Cheese Contest was held this week in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Marieke Gouda won an impressive nine awards.

“It’s always exciting for our gouda to be recognized by these esteemed judges and cheese experts,” said Master Cheesemaker Marieke Penterman, founder and owner of Marieke Gouda. “It is a testament to our commitment to producing the best gouda in the United States and beyond.”

Marieke Gouda earned 2 Gold, 4 Silver, and 3 Bronze awards, making them the recipient of over 285 awards in the past 20 years.

Marieke’s Truffle Gouda in the Flavored Gouda class and the Smoked Gouda in the Smoked Gouda class received 1st place, gold awards. Second place awards went to Belegen Gouda aged 4 – 6 months, Hatch Gouda, Premium Gouda aged 12 – 18 months, and Truffle Gouda. Third place awards went to Young Gouda aged 2 – 4 months, Reserve Gouda aged 1000+ days, and Marieke Golden, an aged Gouda Parmesan.

Dairy businesses representing 31 states submitted 2,414 entries of cheese, butter, cultured products, and dry dairy ingredients for evaluation.  “This impressive number of entries underscores the deep significance of this competition to the nation’s dairy manufacturers,” said Kirsten Strohmenger, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Contest Director. “When shoppers spot the prestigious Contest seal on a winning product, they recognize it as a mark of exceptional quality and craftsmanship, earned through the expertise of our judges and the competition’s rigorous technical standards. We’re proud to offer this platform for dairy processors of all sizes to elevate their products and grow their businesses.” 

About Marieke Gouda: Marieke® Gouda produces premium, award-winning, all-natural cheeses masterfully crafted with passion using milk from our dairy farm. Every step of the process, from caring for our cows to milking to aging, happens under Marieke’s watchful eye. Our dedication to traditional Dutch cheesemaking methods ensures authentic flavors and unparalleled quality.  Learn more about us and our cheese at MariekeGouda.com.

About US Championship Cheese Contest: Hosted biennially by WCMA since 1981, the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is the nation’s premier cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredient competition. Additional information about the competition is available at USChampionCheese.org. 

SOURCE Marieke Gouda