WCMA Opens Entries for 2027 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest

Enter your products now for evaluation in the 2027 United States Championship Cheese Contest, the nation’s premier dairy product competition. Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), host of the Contest, is offering dairy manufacturers and processors a special entry discount on all submissions of cheese, butter, yogurt, sour cream, and dry dairy ingredients now through December 11, only at USChampionCheese.org.  

 

“The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest has been the nation's premier cheese contest for over four decades – its scale, technicality, and prestige are unmatched," said WCMA Contest Director Kirsten Strohmenger. "We know how hard dairy businesses work on their craftsmanship, and we’re excited to offer this unique opportunity where they can showcase their work, improve their products, and earn recognition." 

 

In 2025, Europa, an aged gouda made by the team at Arethusa Farm Dairy in Bantam, Connecticut, earned its second consecutive title of U.S. Champion Cheese with an impressive score of 98.89 out of 100. That year, 2,414 entries from 31 states were evaluated by a team of 39 expert judges.   

 

New entry classes this year include reduced or low fat cottage cheese, cultured butter, labneh, open class for cheddar style cheeses, open class for cultured products, shredded Italian style cheeses, acidified whey protein isolate, and colostrum powder, reflecting industry feedback and growth in these sectors. Entries across a total of 122 distinct categories will be judged on characteristics such as flavor, body, texture, salt, color, finish, and packaging. Competitors will have real-time access to their scores and evaluations through MyEntries©, a secure online entry system.  

 

The Contest entry window will be open through February 5, 2027, at USChampionCheese.org. All entries submitted now through December 11 cost just $85 per entry; after December 11, entries cost $100 each. All entries will be evaluated March 9-11 at Resch Expo in Green Bay, Wisconsin, culminating in a livestreamed announcement of the 2027 U.S. Champion.  

 

Details about the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, including deadlines, rules, and entry information, are available at USChampionCheese.org.