World’s best cheese 2022 revealed: ‘Melts on your tongue’ Swiss cheese Le Gruyère AOP surchoix takes the crown

The world’s best cheese 2022 has been named this week, crowned at the  World Cheese Awards, held in Wales. Initially scheduled to be hosted in Kyiv, Ukraine, following Russia’s invasion of the country, it was moved to the Welsh city of Newport.

Judges presided over 4,434 different cheeses from 42 countries and 900 companies over the course of the competition, with one cheese in particular winning them over. Its ‘smooth in your mouth and melting on your tongue’ quality is said to have been its defining quality.

Le Gruyère AOP surchoix, which is a matured cheese made from raw cow’s milk, with a slightly crumbly texture, was crowned the victor. It was entered by Swiss cheesemaker Vorderfultigen and its refiner Gourmino.

John Farrand, who is the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food - who organise the World Cheese Awards - said: “What a final. To crown Le Gruyère AOP surchoix as this year’s World Champion Cheese is so well deserved. The judges in the room today, our cheese experts from all over the world, were clearly blown away by the quality of the cheese and dedication shown by the cheesemakers.”

Entries were scored on a number of categories, such as the appearance of its rind and paste, as well as its aroma, body and texture. Unsurprisingly, a chuck  of the points are awarded for flavour and feel in the mouth.

The judging panel, which consists of a range of cheesemakers, cheesemongers, chefs, retailers and writers, narrowed thousands of participants to 98 ‘Super Golds’ and then 16 finalists. They were then evaluated by an International Super Jury, which consists of big name cheese-focused retailers.

World Cheese Awards 2022 - finalists

1. Le Gruyere AOP surchoix - from Vorderfuligen
2. Gorgonzola Dolce DOP - from De Magi
3. Grosse Tomme de Bufflonne Cave Jacobine from Prolactine FranceÂlde Fryske - from De Fryske
4. Tomme de chèvre Cave Jacobine - from Prolactine France
5. PATA DE MULO CURADO LOS PAYUELOS - from Quesería Artesanal Los Payuelos
6. Greensward - from Murray’s Cheese
7. Devon Blue - from Ticklemore Cheese
8. Spenwood - from Village Maid Cheese
9. Grosse Tomme de chèvre Cave Rousseau - from Prolactine France
10. Sinodun Hill - from Norton and Yarrow Cheese
11. Gorwydd Caerphilly - from Trethowan’s Dairy
12. Großer Deichkäse 12 Monate - from Rohmilchkäserei Backensholz GmbH & Co. KG
13. MA-TRU’ Pecorino Amatriciano - from F.LLI PETRUCCI SRL
14. L’Ambra di Talamello - from Rocca Toscana Formaggi S.R.L.
15. Gentenaer - from Little Cheese Farm