The 2025 Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board was held last week, and Marieke Gouda walked away with 7 awards in total, including a clean sweep, winning first, second, and third place, in the Gouda and Edam Category.
“Nobody builds greatness alone. I can’t thank my team enough, and I’m deeply grateful for this industry’s dedication, heart, and grit, qualities that the people in dairy live out every single day. I also want to thank the Wisconsin State Fair contest team for giving us the platform to shine through this amazing achievement,” said Master Cheesemaker Marieke Penterman, founder and owner of Marieke Gouda, in a recent release.
Marieke Gouda claimed 2 Gold, 2 Silver, and 3 Bronze awards, making them the recipient of over 292 awards in the past 20 years.
Marieke’s Premium Gouda (aged 12 – 18 months) took the gold in the Gouda and Edam class. Rounding out the class, Marieke Reserve Gouda (aged 1000+ days) took second, and Super Aged (aged 18 – 24 months) was awarded third place. Receiving first place in the Cold Pack Cheese Spread class was Marieke’s Honey Clover Gouda Spread. Smoked Gouda was awarded second place in the Smoked Cheese division. Third place honors went to Marieke Jalapeno Gouda in the Flavored Pepper Cheese category, and Marieke’s Golden aged Gouda Parmesan in the Open Class – Hard Cheese class.
Dairy manufacturers from throughout the state submitted over 500 entries for the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Products Contest, which took place June 19 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. The contest featured over 50 cheese, sour cream, butter, yogurt, milk, and custard classes.
