A Swiss cheese was crowned the World Champion Cheese at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland
On November 13, 2025, a new World Champion Cheese was unveiled to thousands of cheese professionals at the World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland: Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial over 18 months. The cow’s milk cheese beat more than 5,200 cheeses from 46 countries—a new record for the competition. 265 cheese experts judged the World Cheese Awards this year.
“And there you have it: the host country scoops the biggest prize in cheese again,” says John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, which organizes the World Cheese Awards. “Perhaps it is that our judges are immersed in the terroir of the nation, perhaps it is the simple fact that the cheese has less far to travel, but the reality is that this cheese has won through our multilayered and robust blind-tasting judging process and ended up achieving the highest score, impressing the Super Jury judges from 14 different nations.”
The cheese was made by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, a small creamery in Hinterfultigen, Switzerland, located only about 40 minutes by car outside of Bern. Aged Gruyères typically taste earthy, savory, and sweet.
The top 14 cheeses list showcased international Super Gold offerings, including one cheese from the US:
- Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial over 18 months, Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, Switzerland – 85 points
- Crémeux des Aldudes aux fleurs – Etxaldia, Etxaldia, France – 84 points
- Appenzeller® Edel-Würzig (9 months), Käserei Ifang / Christian Tschumper, SO Appenzeller Käse, Switzerland – 83 points
- Gantrisch Bergkäse, Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, Switzerland – 81 points
- 2.5 kg wheel Ossau-Iraty AOP (pasteurised sheep milk), Agour, France – 78 points
- Königs-Chäs Rezent, Rüttiberg Käse AG, Switzerland – 78 points
- Stockinghall, Murray’s Cheese, USA – 78 points
- Hechizo, Quesería La Zarcillera, Spain – 76 points
- Aged Rutland Red, Long Clawson Dairy, United Kingdom – 76 points
- Montana Intenso, Maaz Cheese, Netherlands – 76 points
- Sparkenhoe Red Leicester, Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Company, United Kingdom – 75 points
- Pave Cobble, White Lake Cheese, United Kingdom – 74 points
- Yozawa Yagi cheese, Yozawa Goat Farm, Japan – 73 points
- Eniquem Maly princ (4 months), Eniquem Cheese, Slovakia – 69 points
Alana Pedalino
Alana Pedalino serves as Managing Editor of culture. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and more. She loves to write, cook, and kayak. Find her bylines at alanapedalino.com.
