Cheesemakers and other dairy processors are invited to enter to compete in the 2022 World Championship Cheese Contest. The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) said entries of cheese, butter, yogurt and dry dairy ingredients are being accepted now through Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at WorldChampionCheese.org.

Hosted by WCMA since 1957, the biennial contest is the largest technical dairy products evaluation in the world. In 2020, a record-setting 3,667 entries were submitted from 26 countries and 36 U.S. states, Madison, Wis.-based WCMA said. A Gruyère made in Bern, Switzerland, by Michael Spycher of Bergkäserei Fritzenhaus for Gourmino AG ultimately became the 2020 World Champion Cheese.

“Competing in the World Championship Cheese Contest isn’t just a way to earn a prestigious title — it’s a way for cheesemakers to show potential customers just how outstanding their products really are,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA’s executive director. “WCMA is proud to offer a platform to recognize excellence in the industry and help connect industry professionals with cheese lovers all over the world.”

The 2022 World Championship Cheese Contest will include 141 classes of dairy products, including expanded classifications for washed-rind, sheep’s milk, blue and cream cheeses, as well as instantized whey protein. Entries cost $75 per product when submitted online using the secure MyEntries system on WorldChampionCheese.org. Paper submissions cost $85 per product, WCMA said.

All entries must be submitted by Jan. 26, 2022. Judging will take place March 1-3 at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, WCMA said.

All questions about the 2022 World Championship Cheese Contest may be directed to WCMA Events Manager Kirsten Strohmenger at kstrohmenger@wischeesemakers.org.