Israeli Cheesemakers Win 15 Medals at Prestigious Global Competition

In a proud moment for Israeli agriculture and artisanal tradition, four Israeli dairies have taken home a remarkable 15 medals at the internationally acclaimed Mondial du Fromage cheese competition in Tours, France. With nearly 1,900 entries judged by 320 experts from around the globe, this victory puts Israel’s cheesemaking excellence squarely in the international spotlight.

The winning dairies Gvinage, Hanan Hagaban, Flora, and Hanoked Dairy Farm garnered an impressive haul of four gold, five silver, and six bronze medals. Competing alongside some of the most prestigious creameries from Europe and beyond, their success is a testament to the world-class quality and creativity coming out of Israel’s dairy sector.

Among the standout stories is that of Gvinage Dairy, founded by Noémie Richard-Stein and her husband Richard. The couple moved from London to northern Israel during the pandemic and now craft award-winning cheeses on Mount Kammon. “A cheese from a small dairy on Mount Kammon can find itself competing against cheeses from the most renowned dairies in the world,” said Richard-Stein. She also highlighted the integrity of the competition, noting that the International Cheesemongers Guild emphasizes craftsmanship over politics a refreshing stance in today’s polarized global climate.

Equally inspiring is the journey of Hanoked Dairy’s founder, Danny Barzilai. Once a stockbroker in Ramat Gan, Barzilai and his wife chose a different path in the 1980s, moving to Gilon in the Northern Galilee to raise goats and sheep. He later studied cheesemaking in France and has since turned Hanoked into a consistent international award-winner. Barzilai dedicated the dairy’s recent wins to his close friend, Dror Or, who was tragically murdered during the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri on October 7, 2023. “We felt a profound sense of meaning in representing our country during such a time,” he said.

The breakdown of medals speaks volumes about Israel’s growing prowess in dairy innovation:

• Gvinage: 2 gold, 2 bronze

• Hanan Hagaban: 1 gold, 2 silver

• Flora: 1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze

• Hanoked: 1 silver, 4 bronze

These achievements come as Israel continues to excel in dairy production. In 2024 alone, the country produced over 1.56 billion liters of cow’s milk and 22 million liters of sheep’s milk. Israelis are also among the world's top consumers of dairy, enjoying an average of 154 liters per person annually, including an impressive 24 pounds of soft cheese and 10 pounds of hard cheese per capita.

With each medal, Israel's dairy artisans are not only elevating their craft but also strengthening the country’s reputation for excellence, creativity, and innovation. These victories are more than just win they are symbols of a thriving nation that continues to flourish in every field it enters.

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