Monroe cheese takes top prize at World Championship Cheese Contest

MADISON, Wis. - For the first time since 1988, a U.S. cheesemaker has won the World Championship Cheese Contest.

The top prize was awarded Wednesday night to Emmi Roth cheesemakers. Emmi Roth is headquartered in Fitchburg, and its cheese is made in Monroe.

Emmi Roth won with Roth Grand Cru Surchoix, which is a hard smear-ripened cheese.

First runner-up in the contest was the Urnäscher Hornkuhkäse made by Johannes Schefer, Urnäscher Milchspezialitäten Urnäsch, Switzerland. Second runner-up, from the Aged Gouda class, was the North-Holland BOB Special Old Extra made by Team Lutjewinkel North-Holland Gold, Friesland Campina Export, from Wolvega in Friesland, The Netherlands.

A record-setting 2,959 cheeses were entered from 23 countries and 31 states, organizers said.

Wisconsin cheeses won 38 gold medals.