Madison, WI — August 20, 2025 — The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA) is proud to announce the three Grand Champions and the top three winners in each of 97 product classes from the 2025 World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest. The highest honors were awarded to entries in the categories of Cheese and Butter, Grade A, and Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt, and Gelato. Now in its 22nd year, the contest was held over three days, with cheese and butter judged on day one, Grade A products on day two, and frozen desserts on the final day. The competition continues to serve as a premier platform for all dairy processors to showcase product excellence and craftsmanship.
“Our contest is an amazing showcase of what makes the dairy industry so exceptional. The talent, dedication, and passion that goes into making the very best products is evident in every entry. All the winning companies have so much to be proud of, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate their wins,” said Amy Winters, Executive Director of WDPA.
The Grand Champion winner in the Cheese and Butter category is Vanilla Mascarpone made by Lake Country Dairy – Schuman Cheese. Gary Gosda, Plant Manager: “To be selected as Overall Grand Champion Cheese is an outstanding accomplishment for our entire Lake Country Dairy team, said Gary Gosda Plant Manager. “This award reflects the work ethic and culture of our 140 employees, who dedicate themselves every day to making the best possible cheese for our customers. We are proud that the cheese we enter in this contest is the very same cheese we craft daily—showcasing the best of what we do.”
“The samples submitted across all categories were of the highest quality,” said John Jaeggi, Coordinator of the Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker® Program and chief judge for the cheese and butter competition. “For the winners, it’s a validation of the fine products they produce every day in their facilities. The Grand Champion winner of Grade A is Triple Cream Vanilla Greek Yogurt from Cabot Creamery Cooperative – Waitsfield, Vermont. David Lynn, CEO and President of Agri-Mark Inc./Cabot Creamery:
“Here at Cabot, we’re all about making great tasting, high-quality dairy products every day. This award is a nod to our farmers and our employees who make that possible. We’re honored to be recognized for our Triple Cream Vanilla Bean Greek yogurt and to share the stage with the other remarkable Grand Champion products.” The Grand Champion winner of Ice Cream, Sherbet, Frozen Yogurt & Gelato is Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream from Kurschner’s Super Premium Ice Cream – Chetek, Wisconsin.
Alan Kurschner, Owner and Founder: “We’ve been open a year, and this award means the world to us. From day one, we set out to make ‘Wisconsin Ice Cream at Its Best.’ We have never used artificial dyes, and we use natural ingredients and clean dairy. We’re honored to receive this recognition so early in our journey.”
“The ice cream entries this year were outstanding, with remarkable flavor, texture, and creativity. Serving as lead judge has been a privilege, and it’s especially rewarding to see how this contest—supported by UW Madison’s Food Science program —continues to inspire and educate processors in advancing product excellence,” said Scott Rankin, professor and chair at the University of Wisconsin’s Food Science Department and Lead Ice Cream Judge for the contest. Winters added, “I was lucky enough to taste each of the Grand Champion products, and they are nothing short of remarkable, Our contest is a great way for consumers to discover the highest-quality, best-tasting dairy products in each category, and I have no doubt this year’s winners will bring a lot of joy to the people who get to experience them.”
All three Grand Champions—along with the first, second, and third place winners in each of the 97 product classes—will be recognized at the Awards Reception and Auction on Monday, September 29, 2025, in the Tanbark Building at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. First-place winning products, and the three grand champions, will be auctioned at the event, with proceeds supporting WDPA’s dairy food security and scholarship programs.
To view the full list of winners or learn more about the contest and auction, visit www.wdpa.net
