Van Stolkweg 31, Den Haag

Gouda Cheese Awards

Tourism

The Gouda Cheese Awards is one of the most prestigious cheese competitions in Gouda, The Netherlands. Unlike technical cheese evaluations, this event is a neutral taste test where consumers themselves take on the role of tasters and judges. It’s a unique opportunity to determine which cheese truly deserves the title of the tastiest in The Netherlands.

The thrilling live final takes place in the heart of Gouda, at the historic Gouda Cheese Market. This traditional setting, where farmers and traders still negotiate prices with a handshake, adds an authentic touch to the competition.

Who can participate?

The competition is open to all Dutch cheese brands, including:
✔ Cheese producers
✔ Trading companies
✔ Retailers

As long as the cheese meets the official competition rules, participants can enter their finest cow or goat cheeses for a chance to claim the prestigious title.

The competition process

Each submitted cheese is carefully prepared and cut by cheese experts before being anonymously sent to Essensor—a specialized taste research company. Essensor conducts qualitative and quantitative taste analysis using a panel of over 800 trained consumers who evaluate the cheeses based on flavor, texture, and overall impression.

Every participant receives detailed jury feedback from Essensor, offering valuable insights into their cheese’s performance.

The final in Gouda

Only the top three cheeses per category advance to the highly anticipated final. Here, a panel of judges crowns the winners with gold, silver, and bronze awards. The winning cheeses earn the ultimate recognition as the tastiest in The Netherlands within their respective categories for an entire year!

The Gouda Cheese Awards is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of Dutch cheese heritage. Set against the backdrop of Gouda’s famous cheese market, this event attracts cheese lovers, producers, and traders from across The Netherlands and beyond. Whether you are a participant, a visitor, or a devoted cheese enthusiast, the Gouda Cheese Awards promises an unforgettable experience.

Join the club!

Do you want to showcase your business to cheese lovers and visitors from around the world? As a partner, you’ll be part of a network that promotes authentic Gouda cheese, local flavors, and unique experiences. Let’s work together to put Gouda on the map. Contact us today to learn more about the possibilities.