TOKYO, Nov. 21 — Japan-made cheeses are gaining increasing global attention, with the number of medals won by such cheeses at the annual World Cheese Awards, the largest international cheese competition, increasing by 50 percent compared with five years ago.
They are highly evaluated for their good appearance and rich milk flavor.
A total of 4,786 cheeses from 47 countries entered this year’s contest, and they were assessed on factors such as the appearance, mouthfeel and flavor.
Fifty-four cheeses were entered from Japan and a cheese made using Hokkaido milk was chosen among the 100 Super Gold award-winning cheeses.
Aside from the Super Gold, 20 other Japanese cheeses won a gold, silver or bronze medal. The total number of awards won by Japan-made cheeses was 1.5 times more than in 2019.
The Cheese Professional Association, a nonprofit organization, says the fact that more Japan-made cheeses are winning awards shows the high quality of Japanese milk is being recognized.
A Super Gold was awarded to Setana, a Camembert cheese made by CHEESEDOM, a cheese maker of Hokkaido.
Setana — made from mineral-rich milk taken from cows grazing on pastures near the sea — was evaluated highly for its rich, butter-like deep color.
Setana of CHEESEDOM, which won a Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards, is shown in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward on Nov. 19.