# European regional cheese awards

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-regional-cheese-awards
> Updated: 2026-10-12T10:38:29.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Regional cheese competitions were held in Austria and Switzerland to honor dairy craftsmanship and promote local varieties.

In September 2026, the 33rd Vorarlberg Cheese Awards took place in Schwarzenberg, Austria. An international jury evaluated 133 entries, awarding ‘Dairy Farmer of the Year 2026’ titles to Thomas Kaufmann and the team from Alpenkäse Bregenzerwald. The event highlighted the connection between agriculture, craftsmanship, and animal welfare.

In October 2026, the 14th Swiss Cheese Awards in Freiburg saw a record 1,177 entries. Organized by the Fromarte association, the competition included 32 categories. Producers from Eastern Switzerland achieved significant success, while overall Swiss Champions included Gruyère d’alpage AOP, Tête de Moine AOP, and Tomme Fleurette.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-12: Swiss Cheese Awards sees record entries and regional winners

The 14th Swiss Cheese Awards saw record participation with 1,177 entries. Regional producers from Eastern Switzerland and Berg-Käserei Gais earned multiple awards in the prestigious competition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/swiss-cheese-awards-sees-record-entries-and-regional-winners

### 2026-09-20: Vorarlberg Cheese Awards honor top producers in Schwarzenberg

The 33rd Vorarlberg Cheese Awards in Schwarzenberg honored top producers, naming Thomas Kaufmann and Richard Flatz as Dairy Farmers of the Year 2026 among 133 entries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vorarlberg-cheese-awards-honor-top-producers-in-schwarzenberg

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Cite as: European regional cheese awards. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-regional-cheese-awards