by Emily Zaal
THE World Championship Cheese Contest is more than just a competition for Marieke ter Keurs, owner of Marieke Gouda in Thorp, Wisconsin. It’s a personal journey that began in 2006 with their first entry. Fast-forward to 2013, and their mature 6-9 month cheese not only took home the top prize but also played a pivotal role in securing Marieke’s green card through the extraordinary ability route. “I like to call that cheese my green card cheese,” says Marieke who emigrated to the US from Weerselo, the Netherlands.
This extraordinary ability has driven her to bring home more wins at this year’s Contest (March 5th-7th). Marieke Gouda brought home 9 awards, including three Best of Class with their Young, Mature, and Golden cheese.
The competition requires a significant investment, but Marieke says it’s well worth it. Winning the Gouda category isn’t just validation of their expertise, but also has an economic impact on their business. “Our sales are going up, and we’ve received more orders from major retailers,” says Marieke.
It’s no surprise the World Championship Cheese Contest found a home in Madison, Wisconsin this year. “Wisconsin is the cheese capital of America,” says Marieke, “and the entire infrastructure here revolves around the dairy industry.”
In April, Marieke and her team will celebrate their victory at the awards ceremony, an event that captures the magic of cheese in Wisconsin. “It’s truly amazing to see how cheese comes alive here in Wisconsin,” says Marieke. “The ceremony gives you goosebumps… people are dressed to impress in their formal wear, and we have dinner in a beautiful hall.”
Standing out amongst 3,000 entries from 25 countries is a testament to Marieke’s dedication and her team’s hard work. But her success wouldn’t be complete without the cheese lovers who savor her product. “It’s a true team effort,” Marieke acknowledges, “and of course, we’re incredibly grateful to the people who enjoy our cheese.”
* Emily Zaal is a journalist in Wisconsin where she previously worked at WSAW NewsChannel 7. She received her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Groningen.
