STOUGHTON, Wis., Aug. 12, 2025 – Emmi Roth, the makers of exceptional specialty cheeses in Monroe, Wisconsin, has claimed the prestigious 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Grand Master Cheesemaker title with its Roth® Cheese Original Grand Cru® Wheel. Scoring an impressive 99.525 in the smear ripened cheese class, this award is a testament to Roth’s unwavering dedication to the craftsmanship and quality of domestic alpine-style cheeses.
“This win isn’t just a trophy – It’s a celebration of our signature Roth Grand Cru cheese and the heritage, tradition and commitment that goes into crafting it,” said Abby Despins, Director of Marketing and Communications at Roth Cheese. “Grand Cru is the embodiment of Swiss tradition, made right here in Monroe using the same time-honored methods as Switzerland.”
Inspired by Switzerland, Rooted in Wisconsin
Emmi Roth’s talented team of cheesemakers based in Monroe, Wis., carefully craft the company’s Roth brand of cheeses, including each wheel of Grand Cru. Here’s what it takes to make award-winning Grand Cru:
- Licensed cheesemakers
- Fresh, local milk sourced from nearby dairies
- Copper vats and spruce boards imported from Switzerland
- Perfectly timing the release of each wheel
“Our team takes immense pride in every step of the process of making each wheel of Grand Cru,” added Despins. “The result is a nutty, full-bodied Alpine-style cheese that is unmatched in the United States.”
This win adds to a growing list of honors for Roth Cheese over the last four decades, including a World Champion title at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest for Roth Grand Cru® Surchoix. Cheese lovers are encouraged to explore Roth’s award-winning collection by visiting www.rothcheese.com.
About the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board
The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is made up of individuals passionate about promoting Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy industry during the Wisconsin State Fair. Providing educational opportunities for attendees with its informative Cow to Cream Puff display, interactive Dairy Lane exhibit, and cow and goat milking demonstrations while managing the Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill, Dairyland Shake Shop, and Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction to raise funds for dairy promotion and education at Wisconsin State Fair, as well as funds for scholarships for students pursuing careers in the dairy industry. Volunteer opportunities are also available. For more information, visit wsfdairypromo.org or follow @WSFDairyPromoBoard on Facebook and Instagram.
About Emmi Roth
Emmi Roth is a leader in specialty cheese innovation, known for crafting the nation’s most celebrated cheeses while importing exceptional products from Switzerland. Based in Wisconsin, we specialize in producing high-quality products across a range of categories with brands like Athenos, Emmi, Roth® Cheese, Cowgirl Creamery, and more. Every cheese we produce reflects our passion for quality and flavor, using premium ingredients and sustainable practices. Visit emmiroth.com to learn more or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Media Contact:
Kaya Freiman
Brand Communications Manager
kaya.freiman@emmiroth.com