(May 4, 2007) For the first time, a U.S. cheese - from California - took first place in a highly competitive Cheddar category at the 2007 World Cheese Awards, one of the most prestigious cheesemaking competitions in the world. The winning cheese, an aged Cheddar produced by Fiscalini Cheese Co., Modesto, Calif., also became the first non-British cheese ever to win the Wyke Farms Trophy for the judging's "Best Extra Mature Traditional Cheese."

In another strong showing at the March competition, Marin French Gold, a cheese from Marin French Cheese Co., Petaluma, Calif., won first place in a Brie category. This marks only the second time an American cheese - also from California - has won gold in this Brie category, which is typically dominated by Europeans. A Brie from Marin French previously won the award in 2005.

Overall, cow's milk cheeses from California won 10 awards at this year's judging - nearly a quarter of the 42 awards given this year to U.S. cheeses. California cow's milk cheeses took five gold medals, two silver medals and three bronze medals. In the past three years, California cheesemakers have won a total of 27 awards in the World Cheese Awards' cow's milk cheese categories.

California winners for 2007 included:

• Fiscalini Cheese Company, Modesto, for Bandage Wrapped Extra Mature, (Gold), Cheddar Block (Gold) and Bandage Wrapped Reserve (Silver)
• Marin French Cheese Company, Petaluma, for Marin French Gold (Gold), Pesto Brie (Bronze) and Triple Crème Brie (Bronze)
• Mozzarella Fresca, Tipton, for Fresh Mozzarella (Gold) and Fresh Mozzarella - Cultured (Gold)
• Cantaré Foods, San Diego, for Fresh Mozzarella, Ovoline (Silver) and Fresh Mozzarella, Boconccini (Bronze)

The 2007 World Cheese Awards were held in London on March 14. Cheesemakers from around the world submitted nearly 2,000 entries to the competition.

California is the nation's leading milk producer and also produces more butter, ice cream, yogurt, nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese and is home to more than 50 cheesemakers who produce 250 varieties and styles. For more information on California cheese, visit www.RealCaliforniaCheese.com.