Swiss Cheese Awards 2024
After a qualifying round in Berne on 20 September, the Swiss Cheese Awards continued in Lugano (TI) on Friday, 4 October, where the three best Swiss cheeses in the ‘hard’, ‘semi-hard’ and ‘soft and fresh’ categories were chosen.
With over 1,100 cheeses presented to the jury, this year's Swiss Cheese Awards showcased an impressive diversity of products. After the qualifying rounds in Berne, the finest Swiss cheeses gathered in Lugano for the finals. A jury of over 150 experts, including cheese industry professionals, restaurateurs, journalists and consumers, evaluated the cheeses based on their appearance, flavour and texture.
On Friday, 4 October, the three winners in each category were announced. First prize in the ‘hard’ category went to Gruyère AOP from the Lanthen cheese dairy (FR), produced by Markus Sturny. In the ‘semi-hard’ category, Brigand du Jorat, produced by the Saint-Cierges cheese dairy (VD), came out on top. Finally, in the ‘soft and fresh’ category, Vacherin Mont d'Or AOP from the André SA cheese dairy in Romanel-sur-Morges (VD) took first place.
Hans & Stefan König from Alpage La Vathia (FR) also distinguished themselves by winning the title in Le Gruyère d'Alpage AOP category.
The winners were celebrated at a gala dinner entitled ‘La Nuit des Fromagers’, which ran late into the evening on Friday.
Le Gruyère AOP congratulates all the participants, particularly cheesemaker Markus Sturny and his cheese dairy in Lanthen, led by Reidy Pascal, whose exceptional daily efforts have been rewarded with this remarkable victory.
The Swiss Cheese Awards will return to French-speaking Switzerland in 2026 for the 14th annual ceremony, which will be held in Fribourg.
