WAITSFIELD – Cabot Creamery/Agri-Mark took home 19 awards at the United States Championship Cheese Contest that wrapped up March 5. Cabot earned four first-place awards for cheddars, two for shredded and sliced cheeses and two for foodservice products. The company also earned a first-place win for two of its whey powders and 10 second and third-place finishes.
A team of expert judges from across the nation evaluated entries on flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. Awards were given to the highest scoring entries in each class from across the country. Some of the cooperative’s award-winning products, including medium cheddar and crème fraiche, are exclusive to foodservice, while its whey powders are used in various food applications.
“Our brand was built on crafting delicious, naturally aged Vermont cheddars,” said Jason Martin, senior vice-president of operations. “It takes a lot of hard-working people to produce the dairy products consumers see on the shelves. From our Cabot farmers to our dedicated employees, cheese graders, sourcing team, drivers and everyone in between, these awards validate our commitment to making exceptional products.”
“Every step of the way, our team is carefully monitoring our products to ensure our high-quality standards are met,” noted Cheese Grader and Inventory Manager Earle Elliott. “From our mild cheddar cheese to pepper jack, crème fraiche to our whey powders which are up-cycled from the cheese-making process, we’re proud that our commitment to quality is recognized across the product portfolio.”
A first place award went to Cabot Clothbound, a collaboration between Cabot Creamery & Jasper Hill Farm in Greensboro was nominated for best overall.
Other products winning first place awards were Cabot Mild Cheddar Cheese, Cabot Medium Cheddar Cheese (Foodservice), Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cabot Crème Fraiche (Foodservice), Cabot Mac & Cheese Shredded Cheese, Cabot Pepper Jack Sliced Cheese, Agri-Mark WPC80 Instant (Whey Powder) and Agri-Mark Dairy Product Solids (Whey Powder).
Second place awards went to Cabot Medium Cheddar (Foodservice), Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar, Cabot Premium Salted Butter, Cabot Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt, Agri-Mark WPC80 Instant (Whey Powder and Agri-Mark Dairy Product Solid (Whey Powder).
And third place awards were earned for Cabot Medium Cheddar (Foodservice), Cabot Vermont Sharp Cheddar, Cabot Salted Butter and Cabot Whole Milk Plain Green Yogurt.
2025 marked the 22nd biennial United States Championship Cheese Contest®, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association in Ashwaubenon, Wisc. Makers of quality cheeses, butter, cultured products and dry dairy ingredients enter the contest for expert technical evaluation and to compete for prestigious awards.
