Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST?

The World Championship Cheese Contest® is the world’s premier technical cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredient competition.2024 marks the 35th biennial edition, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association

When is the Next World Contest?

The next World Championship Cheese Contest will be held March 5-7, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.

Can I Attend?

We welcome you to visit us during preliminary round judging.
The Contest will be open for free public viewing during the first two days of judging.

Watch our expert judging teams evaluate over 3,000 dairy products!  

Location: Monona Terrace Convention Center Exhibit Hall, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703

Dates & Times: 
Tuesday, March 5 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 6 – 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Watch the Champion Livestream Announcement

Join us virtually on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. (CT) on our website or our Facebook page for the live announcement of the 2024 World Champion Cheese! 

How do I enter?

Enter online starting November 1, 2023, with our secure entry system, MyEntries

Information on entering the 2024 WCCC is available here. The 2024 Contest Entry Kit includes all rules and contest classes. 

CAN I VOLUNTEER?

Individuals who work in the cheese industry may be volunteers at the Contest.

Volunteers are still needed to receive entries in Little Chute during the week of February 26-29. Sign-up here to volunteer for Contest Check-In shifts. 

Volunteer spaces are filled for the 2024 Contest in Madison. 

When do I ship my products?

Entries are sent to WOW Logistics Warehouse in Little Chute, Wisconsin, USA.
Shipment details and instructions will be sent to entrants once entry closes. Products are due to arrive by February 21, 2024 (February 28, 2024 for fresh products). 

MyEntries users have auto-filled shipping tags with entry product information.

Find the “Print Your Shipping Tags” button.
Note: each entry should be sent in its own box with a shipping/ identification tag on the outside and another on the inside.

How does the judging work?

Entries are evaluated by a team of skilled technical judges from all over the world. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, deductions are made for various defects found by each judge.
Defects are noted in the areas of flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. A Gold medal, Silver medal and Bronze medal are awarded to the three highest-scoring entries in each class.

How do I access my scoresheets?

Scoresheets are available for entrants in their secure MyEntries account as soon as judging is complete. 
Entrants can login to their account and click on “View Your Results and Scoresheets”.
A list will show with all of their entries and each will show a link to “View Scoresheets”. They can then view and print each judge’s scoresheet by selecting “Scoresheet 1” or “Scoresheet 2”.

Do I send with or without retail labels?

Entrants may send products in their original packaging, with or without labels. Evaluations are objective; labels are not considered in the evaluation. 

If I win, how do I get my award?

Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association will send out individual emails to winners with information on receiving award plaques and ribbons. 

Winners are invited to attend the Champions Awards Banquet at CheeseExpo on April 18, 2024. 

Other Questions?