California cow’s milk processors that use the Real California Cheese and Milk seals brought home 20 awards from the 2011 annual cheese competition held by the American Cheese Society (ACS) August 5 in Montreal, Canada.

The American Cheese Society recognizes the finest cheeses produced in North America. A record 1,676 cheeses and cultured dairy products were entered into the competition. California cheeses had another strong showing this year competing against 258 processors representing 33 states, plus Canada and Mexico, resulting in another ACS record.

Real California cow’s milk cheeses and cultured dairy products won six first-place, 10 second-place and four third-place awards in this year’s judging. California first-place winners in the 2011 competition included:

• Karoun Dairies Inc., Turlock for Labne in the Cultured Milk Products – Cultured Products Made From Cow’s Milk category
• Belfiore Cheese Company, Berkeley, for Naturally Smoked Mozzarella in the Smoked Cheeses – Smoked Italian Styles category
• Point Reyes Farmstead for Point Reyes Toma, American Originals – Original Recipe / Open Category Made From Cow’s Milk
• Fiscalini Cheese Company, Modesto, for Scamorza Italian Style Cheeses – Mozzarella Types – Brick, Scamorza, String Cheese – All Milks
• Marin French Cheese Company, Petaluma, for Peppercorn Brie – Garlic, Soft Ripened Cheeses – Flavor Added – Spices, Herbs, Seasoning, Fruits, etc.
• Petaluma Creamery/Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Petaluma, for Dry Jack, American Originals – Dry Jack

In total, 10 Real California Cheesemakers won awards. In addition to the first-place awards above, Karoun brought home four second and three third-place awards for their cow’s milk products. Rumiano Cheese Company brought home two second place awards. Second place awards also were presented to Bellwether Farms, Nicasio Valley Cheese Company, Point Reyes and Oakdale Cheese & Specialties. Belfiore also received a third-place award for their Burrata.