The Unveiling of the 2023 Global Cheese Champion

Norwegian blue cheese surpasses competitors from across the globe on Friday, claiming the title of the world's top cheese.

Nidelven Blå, crafted by cheesemaker Gangstad Gårdsysteri, competed against the finest cheeses worldwide at Trondheim, Norway, in the largest global cheese gathering.

The World Cheese Awards, organized by the Guild of Fine Food, reached its 35th edition this year. Experts from around the world collaborated to determine the winner of the competition. Remarkably, the year 2023 set a new record with a staggering 4,502 cheeses being submitted for judgement. This marked the highest number of entries to date, with cheeses arriving by various means of transport, including boat, truck, train, and plane.

After a thorough day of deliberations, the winner for this year was ultimately selected in the presence of a live audience by a meticulously selected "super jury." This esteemed panel includes the Ambassador of Food Culture at Whole Foods Market in the US. The contestants were narrowed down to a final 16 before the winner was chosen.

Maren Gangstadt, the general manager of Gangstadt Gårdsysteri, expressed their excitement, stating, "Being a small dairy farm located just two hours away, this event happening on our home turf holds significant meaning for us. Furthermore, having the entire dairy crew present adds an extra level of enthusiasm."

The judges raved about Nidelven Blå, a rich and indulgent semi-solid blue mold cheese crafted from pasteurized cow's milk. One judge described it as having a lusciously dense texture akin to creamy fudge, while another hailed it as the ultimate blue cheese.

A third remarked on its balance and "fruity overtones, maybe some wine-like characteristics that really speak. Its a very unique language."

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The Super Jury voted on finalists before a live audience at the World Cheese Awards 2023 in Trondheim, Norway, on Friday.

Haakon Berg/Courtesy Guild of Fine Food

Cheeses from around the world

The victorious cheese had to stand out amidst intense global competition, according to John Farrand, managing director of the World Cheese Awards, in an interview with CNN Travel prior to the event.

With over 40 countries participating, one can anticipate the finest quality cheeses from each of them. The event commenced at the Trondheim Spektrum indoor arena on Friday morning with the extensive judging panel consisting of 264 renowned cheese experts. They diligently evaluated approximately 40 to 50 cheeses at around 100 tables, working in teams of two to three.

Farrand explains that we simply ask them to evaluate the cheese's visual aspects and its aroma. The scoring focuses more heavily on the taste and mouthfeel of the cheese. Hence, they consider all aspects and their harmonization.

Once every group reached a consensus, they designated the top picks as gold, silver, or bronze winners. Additionally, each judging table chose a standout entry as the "super gold" recipient.

In the subsequent phase of the competition, the "super gold" champions were narrowed down to a final 16 by the Super Jury, composed of a panel of 16 specialists. This jury then engaged in discussions about the finalists until Nidelven Blå emerged as the ultimate winner.

"The cheese community is tight-knit," claims Farron. "The judges genuinely relish the experience and have a blast.

"However, it is a highly significant responsibility. Winning awards can have a profound impact on the success and expansion of small cheesemakers' businesses."

Strong numbers from Norway

Host country Norway had its highest ever number of entries, 293, this year.

The World Cheese Awards has seen a significant increase in participation over the years. Started in 1988 with around 250 entries predominantly from the UK, this year's competition received an impressive 4,502 entries from 43 countries worldwide. Farron, the organizer, emphasizes the diversity of cheeses showcased, mentioning the team's efforts in making the awards inclusive for smaller artisan cheesemakers.

This year, we have sourced fascinating cheeses from India and Japan, which have only recently gained eligibility for the awards in the past two to three years. Nevertheless, our judges also take delight in discovering beloved classics.

In 2022, the coveted award went to Swiss cheese maker Vorderfultigen and affineur (refiner) Gourminos Le Gruyère AOP surchoix.

CNNs Marnie Hunter contributed to this report.