SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., & MODESTO, Calif. – August 12, 2008 – California cow’s milk cheese makers won 21 awards at the 2008 annual cheese competition held by the American Cheese Society (ACS), July 23-26 in Chicago, IL.

The American Cheese Society recognizes the finest cheeses produced in the United States. California cheeses had a strong showing in this year’s competition out of a near record 180 producers from 30 states.

California cow’s milk cheeses won five first-place, eleven second-place and six third-place awards in this year’s judging. California cow’s milk cheeses dominated the Fresh Unripened Cheeses and the Soft Ripened Cheeses categories receiving more awards than any other state.

California first-place winners in the 2008 competition included:

•  Fiscalini Cheese Company, Modesto, for San Joaquin Gold in the American Originals category, Bandage Wrap Cheddar Extra Mature in the Cheddars category and Horsefeathers in the Cheese Spreads category
• Bravo Farms Handmade Cheese, Traver, for Silver Mountain Aged Over 12 Months in the Cheddars category
• Sierra Nevada Cheese Co., Willows, for Kendall Farms Crème Fraiche in the Cultured Milk Products category

In all, 8 California cow’s milk cheese producers won awards. Top winners included Marin French Cheese Company with four awards for cow’s milk cheeses; Fiscalini Farmstead Cheese with three awards; Cowgirl Creamery with four awards; and Contare Foods with three awards.

These award-wining California cheeses tout the Real California Cheese seal and can be found at retailers nationwide. For more information on California cheese and dairy products, visit: www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com. For more information on ACS competition winners, go to: www.cheesesociety.org.

Contact:

Kendra Stewart, Ketchum, for the California Milk Advisory Board

kendra.stewart@ketchum.com (415) 984-6191