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The world’s cheese lovers no longer need to look to Italy for the best parmesan after
Dairy Farmers won gold at the world’s premier cheese contest in Wisconsin, USA.
Hand-turned, aged and waxed in Simpson, Victoria, the Aussie milk co-operative’s Mil Lel Superior Parmesan was awarded the top honour at the 27th Biennial World Championship Cheese Contest, effectively making it the world’s best tasting parmesan.
Tastebuds were put to the test as the international expert panel of 22 judges scored Mil Lel Parmesan an enviable 98.5 out of 100 points, to out-taste the United States and New Zealand competition.
The 2008 parmesan class at the international contest was one of 79 classes of cheese and butter with entries from Australia, the US, Canada, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Austria, NZ, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and South Africa.
Dairy Farmers Group External Affairs Manager Stephen Ellaway said the world’s best parmesan title was an achievement Dairy Farmers’ suppliers and employees – and Aussie consumers – should be thrilled with.
“Dairy Farmers has a rich tradition in making products of the highest standard and quality, starting with our award-winning milk,” Mr Ellaway said.
“For an internationally-renowned panel of cheese experts to name our Mil Lel Superior Parmesan the best in the world is the ultimate accolade.
“Our farmers in particular can be proud of their efforts through what was another tough season. Their commitment to producing premium quality milk is what enables us to deliver products that stand above other quality products on the world stage.”
The gold medal was the 'icing on the cake’ for Mil Lel Parmesan, which previously won two silver medals at the 1996 and 1998 international contests.
Add to this international accolade a steady stream of state and regional awards over the past 15 years, and it is clear to see why Mil Lel Parmesan has climbed to the top of class worldwide.
Dairy Farmers’ Simpson factory in Victoria is quickly making a name for itself as one of the nation’s premier cheese making facilities, with the site’s products recently scooping a number of prestigious industry awards.
Mil Lel Parmesan’s sister product, Mil Lel Superior Romano, which is also created in Simpson, won the ultimate honour of Champion Hard Cheese at the 2008 Grand Dairy Awards, Australia’s premier food industry event.
Both the Mil Lel Parmesan and the Mil Lel Superior Romano are popular for their versatility as hard cheeses to be used for grating, cooking with pizza and pasta dishes, and as a traditional table cheese.
The 2008 World Championship Cheese Contest statistics are yet to be released but in 2006 the contest drew 1,700 entries from 18 nations.
Since its inception in 1957, the international contest has garnered steady support and is recognised as the world’s largest quality cheese and butter competition.
