Schuman Cheese, a world-class, fourth-generation cheesemaker, proudly celebrates another remarkable achievement at the 2025 US Championship Cheese Contest. For the second consecutive year, its flagship brand, Cello, dominated and swept the Parmesan category by taking home the top 3 awards. Additionally, Cello Organic Copper Kettle Parmesan earned the prestigious title of Second Runner-Up for U.S. Champion, placing 3rd in the overall contest among 2,400 entries. This remarkable recognition solidifies Schuman Cheese's renowned leadership among the nation’s finest cheesemakers.
With a deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship and quality, Schuman Cheese once again exhibited excellence across multiple categories this year, with six Best of Class awards and several additional top three placements.
At the heart of the Cello brand lies Lake Country Dairy, nestled in the dairy-rich region of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, where lush, rolling pastures meet a longstanding heritage of exceptional cheesemaking. Led by master cheesemaker, Christophe Megevand, every cheese starts with the freshest milk from three local family farms. Each wheel of Italian-style cheese is expertly crafted using time-honored methods that make way for bold, complex flavors and a superior texture that sets them apart. These distinctive qualities have earned Schuman Cheese top honors in competitions and made Cello a favorite among cheese lovers, a press release stated.
Accolades from the 2025 US Championship Cheese Contest include:
Parmesan Category (Class 23) – Full Category Sweep
Asiago Category (Class 21)
Open Class: Grated Cheeses (Class 106)
Ricotta (Class 35)
Edam & Gouda (Class 36)
Open Class: Soft Cheeses, Flavored (Class 54)
Open Class: Semi-Soft Cheeses (Class 55)
Hard Mixed Milk Cheeses (Class 88)
“For 80 years, we have been dedicated to elevating the art of cheesemaking, and these awards are a direct reflection of our team's unwavering passion and unmatched expertise,” said Keith Schuman, Lake Country Dairy Business Unit Lead at Schuman Cheese. “Sweeping the Parmesan category two years in a row is an incredible honor, and we couldn’t be prouder to see Cello continue to shine on the national stage.”
Looking ahead, Schuman Cheese remains committed to innovation and excellence, both with the Cello brand and its broader portfolio of best-in-class domestic and imported cheeses. In the coming year, the company is set for continued success, consistently offering exceptional flavors and unique formats that will elevate industry standards.
For more information on Schuman Cheese and Cello, visit www.schumancheese.com or www.cellocheese.com.