Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Crowned World Champion Cheese 2025
top of page

Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Crowned World Champion Cheese 2025

  • Writer: Sharon Wilson
    Sharon Wilson
  • 37 minutes ago
  • 2 min read
A picture of the winner holding the trophy
Best cheese on the planet - Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen

Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial, matured for 18 months has been crowned the World Champion Cheese at the 2025 World Cheese Awards, held at BernExpo in Bern, Switzerland.


Produced by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen, this exceptional Gruyère rose above a record‑breaking 5,244 entries from 46 countries, securing the highest accolade in the competition’s 37‑year history.


Judges praised the cheese for its remarkable texture and depth of flavour, describing it as “flinty as you break it apart” with delicate crystalline notes and a brothy, umami richness that lingers on the palate. This triumph marks the sixth time Gruyère AOP has won the world title, reinforcing its reputation as one of Switzerland’s most iconic and consistently outstanding cheeses.


The competition was fierce, with France’s Crémeux des Aldudes aux Fleurs finishing just one point behind, and Switzerland’s Appenzeller Edel‑Würzig (aged nine months) taking third place.

A picture of the trophy and the cheese
The winning cheese

The Guild of Fine Food, organizers of the awards, emphasized that this victory is not just about one cheese but about the enduring excellence of Swiss craftsmanship. With BernExpo buzzing with international energy, Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen’s triumph stands as a proud symbol of tradition meeting world‑class recognition.


You can find Gruyère AOP and other specialty Swiss cheeses at several excellent cheesemongers in Edinburgh


Mellis Cheese Victoria Street

Located at 30 Victoria Street, EH1 2JW, Mellis Cheese is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic cheesemongers. With a reputation for sourcing artisan cheeses from across Europe, they often carry Gruyère AOP alongside other Alpine classics.


At 3 Dean Park Street, EH4 1JN, George Mewes Cheese specializes in farmhouse and artisan cheeses. Their selection includes Gruyère Suisse AOP matured 18–24 months, offering the nutty, earthy complexity that defines authentic Gruyère.


Mellis Cheese Stockbridge

Situated at 6 Bakers Place, EH3 6SY, this branch of Mellis Cheese brings the same artisan focus to Stockbridge. It’s a great option if you’re exploring Edinburgh’s food scene in this neighborhood. Expect a wide range of continental cheeses, including Alpine styles like Gruyère.


Mellis Cheese Morningside

Found at 330 Morningside Road, EH10 4QJ, this shop caters to South Edinburgh. It’s perfect if you’re looking for aged Gruyère to enjoy.


  • Availability: While Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen spezial (the 2025 World Champion) may be harder to source directly, these shops regularly stock authentic Gruyère AOP from Switzerland, often aged 12–24 months.

  • Best bet: George Mewes Cheese is particularly strong for rare and award‑winning imports, while Mellis offers breadth and accessibility across Edinburgh.

  • Tip: Ask specifically for long‑aged Gruyère (18+ months) to get closer to the flavour profile of the BernExpo champion.

A picture of a woman holding and looking at a cheese with hundreds of tables of cheese in the background. She is wearing a red apron and a white shirt and has short, gray hair.
Assessing cheese

bottom of page