On November 13, in Bern, Switzerland, the 37th international cheese competition World Cheese Awards 2025 officially concluded.
This year, 5,244 cheeses from around the world were presented for evaluation by international experts, including 17 from Ukraine. ProCheese and Ardis Group are the official representatives of the competition in Ukraine.
For the fourth year in a row, Ukrainian cheeses have earned recognition from the international panel of judges — this time receiving five awards. The competition was evaluated by 265 cheese professionals from various countries, and the overall winner was the Swiss cheese Le Gruyère AOP.
“When we first brought Ukrainian cheeses to the World Cheese Awards, it felt like a bold experiment. Today, it is a stable presence and a confident expression of Ukrainian flavor on the global stage. We are growing and improving, but there is still much work ahead to ensure consistent product quality and to build openness and trust among market players”, — comments Oksana Chernova, cheese expert and World Cheese Awards judge representing Ukraine.
The participation of Ukrainian cheeses in the competition was supported by Switzerland within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian Quality FOOD Trade Programme.
Award-Winning Ukrainian Cheeses at WCA 2025:
- Zinka, “Gouda with Truffle,” Kyiv region — Silver Award
- Zinka, “Camembert,” Kyiv region — Silver Award
- Zinka, “Iskristyi,” Kyiv region — Bronze Award
- Mamyn Syr, “Ferkovanya,” Zakarpattia — Bronze Award
- Mamyn Syr, “Padre Romzha,” Zakarpattia — Bronze Award
In total, over four years of participation, Ukrainian cheeses have already earned 39 awards.
“Each season at the World Cheese Awards is an opportunity not just to compete, but to show how the Ukrainian cheese market is evolving. I am grateful to our partners and to our team, who once again achieved the impossible despite bureaucratic and logistical challenges. It is important for us that the world sees — Ukrainian products have their own character and a taste of freedom”, — says Nataliia Kahadii, Director of the ProCheese Department at Ardis Group.
Photo source: Guild of Fine Food
