Vorarlberg Cheese Awards honor top producers in Schwarzenberg

The 33rd Vorarlberg Cheese Awards were held in Schwarzenberg, where local dairy farmers and producers were honored for their craftsmanship. Approximately 1,000 visitors attended the event, which serves as a significant platform for marketing the region's diverse cheese varieties, particularly protected mountain and alpine cheeses.

An international jury of experts from Austria, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland evaluated 133 entries based on appearance, texture, color, aroma, and taste. The ‘Dairy Farmer of the Year 2026’ titles were awarded to Thomas Kaufmann of Dorfsennerei Schlins-Röns in the hard cheese category, and Richard Flatz and his team from Alpenkäse Bregenzerwald in the aged sliced cheese category. Additionally, Sennerei Andelsbuch won the audience jury award for its aged sliced cheese.

Vorarlberg State Councilor Christian Gantner praised the winners for preserving traditions and maintaining high quality standards, noting the vital connection between agriculture, craftsmanship, and animal welfare.