Beemster® Royaal Grand Cru named best cheese in the world

During the World Championship Cheese Contest in Wisconsin, Beemster® Royaal Grand Cru was named World Champion Cheese 2026. With a score of 98.68 out of 100 points, our Beemster® Royaal Grand Cru outperformed all 3,375 entries from cheese makers in 25 different countries. This cheese was thus crowned the best cheese in the world.

Beemster® Royaal Grand Cru is known for its rich, slightly nutty flavor, firm texture, and characteristic ripening crystals that develop during the long ripening process. The basis for this distinctive flavor lies in the milk: all Beemster® cheeses are made from 100% North Holland pasture milk. With care, time, and attention, our cheese makers process this milk into cheeses with a unique flavor.

“Everything must be just right”

According to Sjoerd Hiemstra, cheese master at CONO Kaasmakers, the makers of Beemster® cheese, this recognition is confirmation of the hard work that goes on every day. "When a cheese scores so highly with an international jury, you know that everything is right. From the milk and the cheese-making process to the ripening."

For Jerry Griep, managing director of CONO Kaasmakers, the title is also a wonderful compliment to the joint efforts of farmers and cheese makers.
"As a local cooperative, we work together every day to produce the most delicious cheeses. We are extremely proud that a cheese from the Beemster has now been named the best cheese in the world. It also demonstrates the international interest in our cheeses. People all over the world are looking for authentic products with a distinctive flavor. This title shows that a cheese from our polder is appreciated worldwide. It's wonderful to see so many international cheese experts putting this cheese at the top of their list."

This title confirms that genuine attention to cows, farmers, and cheese still makes a difference. What makes this international award even more special is that it comes in the year that CONO Kaasmakers celebrates its 125th anniversary.

About the World Championship Cheese Contest

The World Championship Cheese Contest is considered the most prestigious technical cheese competition in the world. Since 1957, cheeses from dozens of countries have been judged by an international jury of experts, who blind taste the products for flavor, aroma, texture, and mouthfeel, among other criteria.