The best cheese in Switzerland does not come from Bernese Jura. Four cheesemakers from the region had qualified among the 32 finalists (out of over 300 competing cheesemakers) at the Swiss Cheese Awards 2024 in Lugano by winning gold in their category last week (Menno Amstutz from Fornet-Dessous, Marc-André Girardin from Corgémont, the Spielhofer brothers from Saint-Imier, and Agnès Spielhofer Beroud from Saint-Imier). However, none of them won one of the three supreme titles of Swiss champion that were up for grabs on Friday in Lugano.
The titles were awarded by the jury to Markus Sturny from Lanthen (FR) for his Gruyère AOP (in the hard cheese category), to the Fromagerie de Saint-Cierges (VD) for their Brigand du Jorat (semi-hard cheese), and to Fromagerie André in Romanel-sur-Morges (VD) for their Vacherin Mont d’Or AOP (soft cheese). On a positive note, Franziska Wenger from Cortébert secured a respectable 3rd place in the cheese platter competition.
The competition was fierce and the quality of Swiss cheeses on display was truly impressive. While the four cheesemakers from Bernese Jura may not have clinched the top spots, their participation and recognition as finalists is a testament to the skill and dedication they bring to their craft. It is clear that Switzerland continues to uphold its reputation for producing some of the finest cheeses in the world.
Events like the Swiss Cheese Awards not only celebrate the art of cheese-making but also provide a platform for producers to showcase their products, network with industry professionals, and gain exposure for their brands. For the cheesemakers, being part of such prestigious competitions is not only an opportunity to compete but also a chance to learn from their peers, exchange ideas, and explore new techniques to further enhance the quality of their cheeses.
Despite missing out on the Swiss champion title, the four cheesemakers from Bernese Jura can hold their heads high knowing that they are among the best in the country. Their passion for cheese-making and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly continue to drive them towards even greater success in the future. Cheers to the cheesemakers of Bernese Jura, may their cheeses continue to delight palates and win hearts both locally and internationally.