The wins keep rolling in from last week’s World Cheese Championship. Artikaas, exclusively imported by Dutch Cheese Makers, the daughter company of Royal A-ware Food Production in Lopik, Netherlands, walked away from the show with several wins in its pocket.
"We are incredibly honored for our awards at the 2024 World Cheese Championship," said Steve Margarites, Chief Executive Officer of Dutch Cheese Makers. "I want to give a tremendous thank you to our team at Royal A-ware in Holland, who are extremely dedicated and passionate about crafting the best Dutch cheese."
Among the winners from Artikaas was Vintage Lot 18, an 18-month-old Gouda, which was chosen as the first runner-up. Vintage Lot 18 also took the Best of Class title in the category of Gouda, Extra Aged (over 10 months).
According to a press release, this feat marks a continued legacy of excellence for Vintage Lot 18, which previously earned Second Place for the same category in the 2020 World Cheese Championship. Meticulously aged in the Netherlands, this cheese has a firm texture with some crystallization, a deep ochre interior, and notes of toasted walnuts and brown butter. It is available in 22 lb wheels and 6oz cuts.
Youngsters Goat Gouda, aged for 4-6 weeks from Artikaas’ 16-item young cheese line, claimed Second Place in the category of Hard Goat's Milk Cheese with an impressive score of 99.1. This cheese has a delicate tang with a firm yet smooth texture. It is available in 10 lb wheels and 6 oz cuts.
Dutch Cheese Makers’ expertise in the category of Pasteurized Process Cheese Product was also acknowledged, with Artikaas Smoked Gouda securing the Best of Class title. Atikass Smoked Goat Gouda took home Third Place. The smoked Goudas are naturally smoked over beechwood with a smooth, creamy texture, and are available in 6 lb logs, 6 oz cuts, and slices.
Congratulations to Dutch Cheese Makers and its Artikaas brand on this accomplishment!
