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The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA) announced the Grand Champion winners of the 2024 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. Three Grand Champions were named in the categories of Cheese and Butter, Grade A, and Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato.
The 21st year of the competition attracted an impressive array of entries across 93 classes of dairy products, showcasing the finest products and the craftsmanship behind them.
Encompassing all dairy products, the contest brings together the best of the best, with each entry carefully judged by a panel of industry experts. The competition not only celebrates product quality but also highlights the innovation and dedication of dairy producers and processors worldwide.
Amy Winters, Executive Director of the WDPA, emphasized the significance of the contest, stating, "This event is a reflection of the passion and hard work that defines our industry. We are honored to host a platform that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of dairy processors from around the globe."
The Grand Champion winner in the Cheese and Butter category is Pure Maple Mascarpone made by Lake Country Dairy - Schuman Cheese. The Maple Mascarpone has a rich, robust pure maple syrup taste with sweet caramel notes.
Gary Gosda, Plant Manager at Lake Country Dairy, expressed his pride, stating, "Wow, what a great honor to win this award with our Maple Mascarpone. This award is very special because the Maple Mascarpone was truly a creation from the Lake Country Dairy employees, from the initial idea to the trials, to the finished product in the cup! Combining two of Wisconsin’s best products—cheese and maple syrup—how can you go wrong? 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. I am truly honored to help lead the Lake Country Dairy team."
The Grand Champion in the Grade A category is Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk from Turner Dairy Farms, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The buttermilk is pasteurized, cultured whole buttermilk with added butter flakes. Judges commented, “Really nice buttermilk! Hard to find any defects!” and “Great body, clean flavor, balance of acid and culture.”
George Fix, Product Manager at Turner Dairy, said, "Charlie’s Old Time Buttermilk showcases our core values in action: perfect products, perfect service, treat people right. 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. Experience our buttermilk and see our core values in action."
The Grand Champion winner of the Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato category is Classic Lemon Bar Ice Cream from Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg, Oregon. The ice cream is a zesty lemon ice cream swirled with creamy lemon revel and bites of lemon shortbread.
Marty Weaver, General Manager at Umpqua Dairy, said, "The flavor is fantastic, and our customers absolutely love it. 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."
"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," said Amy Winters. "We congratulate all the winners of this year’s competition and commend them for their excellence. Entrants brought incredible products to the table, and they have much to be proud of. With so many outstanding entries across all classes, these three grand champions truly set a high bar."
The grand champions and the first, second and third place winners for each class will receive their trophies, medals and ribbons at an award reception and auction on October 1 as part of World Dairy Expo in Madison. The first-place winner’s products are auctioned off that day with proceeds going to scholarship programs focused on dairy education.
For more information about the contest, the auction, or to view the complete list of winners, please visit WDPA's website https://wdpa.net.
