Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) took home six awards at the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association's 21st biennial US Championship Cheese Contest.
Nearly 2,500 entries from 35 states were evaluated in Green Bay, Wis., by a team of 42 elite judges who evaluated each product on aroma, flavor, texture and visual presentation. TCCA was recognized with the following honors:
FIRST PLACE:
- Spreadable Natural Cheeses: Seriously Strawberry Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread
- Pepper Flavored Monterey Jack, High Heat: Farmers' Collection Spicy Habanero Jack
- Open Class – Smoked Hard Cheeses: Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Cheddar
SECOND PLACE:
- Spreadable Natural Cheeses: Original Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread
THIRD PLACE:
- Cheddar, Medium (3 to 6 months): Medium Cheddar
- Spreadable Natural Cheeses: Jalapeno Honey Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread
TCCA's Director of Product Excellence Jill Allen served her 10th year as contest judge, and Senior Product Development Scientist Anna Ku joined as a first-time judge. Both participated in the blind judging in this year's contest, getting a taste of the strong competition, firsthand.
"It's always an honor to have our hard work featured among the best-of-the-best, and with nearly 2,500 entries, this year's contest was especially competitive," said Allen. "At TCCA, we pride ourselves on using quality ingredients and never cutting corners, and it's exciting for that 114-year-old commitment to be recognized at such a prestigious level."
