El concurso de quesos, productos lácteos, jamones y embutidos presenta a sus ganadores de 2026.
Successful development: Frankfurt Trophy continues to grow
- Best cured meat Product of the Competition: Spain
- Best Cheese of the Competition: Austria
- Best Dairy Product of the Competition: Germany
Mainz, December 17, 2025. On December 12, 2025, the Frankfurt International Trophy opened its doors for the second edition dedicated to cured meat products and the fourth edition for cheese and dairy products. Around 135 tasters from all over the world participated in the event.
Mike Joseph, Mayor of Frankfurt am Main and patron of the event, explained why Frankfurt is the perfect stage for one of Europe’s most important competitions in the industry:
“Frankfurt am Main is not just an economically strong European metropolis. As a significant financial and economic hub in the heart of Germany and Europe, Frankfurt is an ideal host city.”
This year, the honorary presidency was held by Burkhard Endemann, publishing director at B&L Medien and member of "Guilde internationale des Fromagers", for Cheese and Dairy Products, as well as Reiner Reutzel, author, master butcher and cortador, for cured meat products.
The tasters included many experts such as cheese sommeliers and master butchers, as well as experienced amateurs who represent consumers. This ensures that the tastes of consumers are appropriately considered when selecting the awarded products, making the competition truly unique.
The simultaneous tastings for cheese and dairy products as well as cured meat products featured nearly 760 samples from 14 countries.
A total of 181 cheese and dairy products and 45 ham and sausage products received the coveted medals, with 88 samples earning Grand Gold medals (starting at 92 out of possible 100 points).
In addition to awarding medals, the best entries for cheese, dairy products, and cured meat products from each country were selected. This year, the title of best cheese across all countries goes to Spain.
Best Cured Meat Product of the Competition: Spain
Jamon de Bellota 100% Iberico
Producer: Lisardo Castro Martin sl
Best Cheese of the Competition: Austria
Bergkäse 24 Monate
Producer: Petersberg Alm
Best Dairy Product of the Competition: Germany
Baldauf Heumilch Tradition Bio-Topfen Vanille
Producer: Gebr. Baldauf GmbH & co KG
With 73 awards, Spain leads the rankings for cheese and dairy products, followed by France with 30 medals and Switzerland with 26 medals. Other medals were distributed among Germany, Austria, Italy, Ireland, Greece, Croatia, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The list of the best cheese and dairy products, sorted by country/region, is available on the competition’s website: https://www.frankfurt-trophy.com/en/results-dairy-2026
The ranking for ham and sausage products is also led by Spain with 14 awards just ahead of France with 13 medals. Other medals were awarded to Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland.
The results of the tasting for ham and sausage products can be viewed here: https://www.frankfurt-trophy.com/en/results-charcuterie-2026