By Scout Nelson
Cheesemakers from Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) earned top honors once again at the 2025 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. Three of their products—Co-op Crafted® Sharp Cheddar, Carolina Reaper Jack, and sliced white American cheese—were each named best in class.
The Sharp Cheddar, crafted by cheesemakers in Blair, Wisconsin, secured the top spot among 53 competitors in a highly competitive class. This win adds to AMPI's impressive record of 18 top-three finishes in national and international cheese contests over the past three years.
AMPI's Carolina Reaper Jack, made in Jim Falls, Wisconsin, took first place in the Pepper Flavored Monterey Jack High Heat class. This spicy variety is rapidly gaining popularity among fans of hot cheese.
Additionally, the Dinner Bell Creamery Sliced White American Cheese, produced in Portage, Wisconsin, won praise for its quality. This cheese is part of AMPI's range of foodservice products.
“These wins reaffirm our reputation for producing award-winning classics like Cheddar and American cheese, along with perfecting the art of crafting pepper-style cheeses,” said Mike Wolkow, senior vice president of operations. “Our farm families and cheesemakers are devoted to quality at every step in the cheesemaking process. We make classic favorites and fun, innovative flavors for our customers to wrap their brands around.”
The 2025 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest attracted over 2,400 entries. Award winners will be recognized at CheeseCon 2025, scheduled for April 15-17 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle