The Countdown to ACS 2026: Where Craft Meets Competition

The Countdown to American Cheese Society Judging and Competition 2026

The 2026 American Cheese Society Judging and Competition is shaping up to be a milestone moment for cheesemakers across the continent. This isn’t about size, scale, or who brings the biggest wheel—it’s about standards, craft, and collective progress in the specialty cheese world.

A Dedicated Stage for Cheesemaking Excellence

This year’s judging runs May 18–22 at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. The Judging and Competition now takes place separately from the American Cheese Society Annual Conference, though the Award Ceremony will still be part of the Conference festivities. Previous winners can be explored here, offering a glimpse into the kinds of cheeses that have made their mark.

Hundreds of entries, ranging from fresh chèvres to alpine-style wheels, will be carefully evaluated by trained judges. Each cheese is assessed on texture, aroma, flavor balance, and technical execution, turning what might seem like a simple competition into a rigorous quality check.

More Than Just Medals

For participants, the Judging & Competition offers more than accolades. It provides actionable feedback that can guide the next batch, refine production techniques, and spark creative growth. In a market where both consistency and innovation are demanded, this feedback can be as valuable as any award.

The true tradition of the J&C lies in this focus on elevating the category. While a medal is nice to hang on the wall, the real win is learning, improving, and helping the specialty cheese community move forward—together.

For cheesemakers curious about submitting, resources on tips and best practices are available here. As well as detailed submission information available here. Whether you’re chasing a medal or aiming for measurable growth, the 2026 ACS Judging & Competition promises insights that go far beyond the podium.

---