Swiss cheesemakers receive 590 medals for craftsmanship and quality. Helsinki, November 17, 2025 Switzerland Cheese Marketing Nordics is pleased to share the results of the World Cheese Awards 2025 held in Bern, where Swiss cheesemakers received significant recognition for their work. Le Gruyère AOP from Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen was named World Champion. In total, Swiss producers were awarded 590 medals across all categories, reflecting the long standing traditions and careful production methods that define Swiss cheese.
Le Gruyère AOP wins World Champion title at the World Cheese Awards 2025
Key results from the World Cheese Awards 2025
- Le Gruyère AOP World Champion
- 590 medals in total for Switzerland
- 37 Super Gold medals for Swiss producers
- Additionally 99 Gold, 219 Silver and 235 Bronze medals for Swiss producers
- Strong achievements from Appenzeller®, Le Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP and Tête de Moine AOP
These results reflect a broad recognition of Swiss cheesemaking.
Producers from across the country, many of them small local dairies, were acknowledged for their careful handling of milk, traditional knowledge and precise ageing methods.
A modest but meaningful moment for Swiss cheesemakers
“The appreciation shown in Bern is very encouraging for our cheesemakers at home” said Mikko Ruchti, Director Switzerland Cheese Marketing Nordics. “Switzerland has a long tradition of making cheese in small dairies, often in rural communities. When this work is recognised by international judges, it supports the commitment of the producers who care for these cheeses every day.”
About the winning cheese
The World Champion, Le Gruyère AOP from Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, was crafted by cheesemaker Pius Hitz and aged for 18 months. Le Gruyère AOP is produced in local dairies that collect milk from nearby farms within a short distance from the dairy. This structure supports small scale agriculture and maintains the character of the cheese from region to region.
Relevance for Nordic markets
Interest in authentic European cheeses continues to grow across the Nordic countries. Swiss cheeses benefit from this development, as Nordic consumers often look for products with clear origin, consistent quality and honest production. Retailers in the region have expanded listings for Le Gruyère AOP, Appenzeller® and other Swiss varieties, responding to steady demand and positive awareness.
World Cheese Awards featured:
CNN: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/13/travel/worlds-best-cheese-2025-gruyere-switzerland
Dagens Industri: https://www.di.se/nyheter/reggae-ska-gora-osten-till-vinnare/
Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/world-cheese-awards-switzerland-41f1a46f4af7fb5fc6f33a66df663755
Food and Wine: https://www.foodandwine.com/best-cheese-in-the-world-gruyere-aop-world-cheese-awards-2025-11850036
See some of the content and recipes for the Cheeses from Switzerland:
https://gruyerestories.com/
https://secretofappenzeller.com/
https://tetedemoine.fi/en/
https://thesoulofbreakfast.com/
https://vacherinfribourgeoisnordics.com/