We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our recent success at the 2024 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition! This prestigious event, held annually, is one of the largest and most respected cheese competitions in North America, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication of American cheesemakers.

This year, our Red Rind Muenster took home the top honor, winning 1st Place in the Muenster category. This win is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in cheesemaking, ensuring that each wheel is aged to perfection, with just the right balance of flavor and texture that sets our Muenster apart.

But that’s not all! Our Dill Pickle Cheese Curds also earned a 3rd Place award in the Flavored Cheese Curds category. These curds are a fan favorite, combining the classic squeaky texture with the tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles. It’s a unique creation that we’re proud to see recognized at such a high level.

The ACS Judging & Competition is renowned for its rigorous standards, with over 1,400 entries from across the country being evaluated this year. Winning here is not just about taste—entries are judged on a variety of factors, including texture, appearance, and overall balance. The competition is fierce, and we’re honored to have our products stand out among so many incredible cheeses.

As we celebrate these victories, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our team, who pour their passion into every batch, and to our loyal customers who support us year-round. We’re excited to continue bringing you the best in artisanal cheese, and we can’t wait for you to taste these award-winning products if you haven’t already.

Starting now and running for the next four weeks, we’re pitting our top cheese curd flavors against our best block cheese flavors in the ultimate battle for supremacy. It’s a clash of titans as 8 delectable cheese curds and 8 irresistible block cheese flavors compete for the prestigious championship title.

How to Participate

Are you ready to be a part of this cheese extravaganza? Here’s how you can join in the fun:

1. Sample the Cheeses: Head to either of our retail stores in Ellsworth or Menomonie and indulge in a cheese-tasting experience like no other. We’ve got samples of all the competing cheeses available in-store, so you can savor each flavor and pick your favorites. (Can’t make it to a store to sample? No worries! You can still join in the fun by voting online!)
2. Cast Your Vote: Once you’ve tried all the cheeses, it’s time to make your voice heard! You can vote for your preferred cheese varieties either in-store or online. Every vote counts, so don’t miss your chance to support your favorite cheeses.
3. Follow the Action: Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for updates on the Cheese Challenge. We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlighting standout flavors, and keeping you informed about the latest developments in the competition.

The Cheese Champion Awaits

Who will emerge victorious in this epic showdown of cheese flavors? Will it be the squeaky goodness of our top cheese curds, or will the classic appeal of our block cheeses steal the spotlight? Only time will tell as the competition heats up and the votes roll in.

Get Involved Today!

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of our Cheese Challenge. Gather your fellow cheese enthusiasts, gather your taste buds, and join us as we celebrate the irresistible allure of cheese. Whether you’re a fan of sharp cheddar, spicy jack, or something a little more adventurous, there’s something for everyone in this cheese-tastic event.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s Menomonie retail store! From April 20-23, 2023, we will be hosting an exciting four-day event filled with in-store specials, door prizes, and samples. We can’t wait to share this exciting milestone with our loyal customers and friends!

During our anniversary celebration, you will enjoy amazing discounts on select apparel and specialty food items. But the most exciting offer is the rare opportunity to stock up on all your favorite award-winning cheeses, including our award-winning Pepperoni Marinara Antonella, the first cheese crafted in our new Menomonie facility to earn first place recognition in national competition. This cheese was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for most outstanding cheese at the National Milk Producers Federation Championship Cheese Contest last November.

You will also have the chance to see cheese being made through our viewing windows, and our cheesemakers will be there to answer any questions you have about cheese and cheesemaking. Plus, we’ll be serving up our famous hand-battered deep fried cheese curds, made from our all-natural cheddar cheese curds. Samples of new and popular products will also be available—hopefully you will discover some new favorites.

At Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, we’re committed to delivering the best possible products and service to our customers. We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from the community throughout the past year, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. We look forward to celebrating with you!