Our Hard Work Pays Off

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery has a long tradition of cheese-making excellence. And while it’s the raving reviews and loyalty of our customers that most warms our hearts, recognition from the experts and our peers in the dairy industry are nice to receive, too. Here’s a listing of our most recent accolades.

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2023

Reserve Chairman Award
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Pepperoni & Marinara Antonella

Natural Cheese Category
2nd Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Colby Jack

Processed American (Flavored)
2nd Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Hot Pepper EZ Melt

Hot or Spicy
2nd Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Habanero Ghost Pepper Jack

Unique or Mild Flavor
1st Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Pepperoni & Marinara Antonella
2nd Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Garden Vegetable & Sweet Basil Antonella
3rd Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Roasted Garlic & Tomato Basil Antonella

Natural Cheese Snack
1st Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI

AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION, 2023

Cheese Curds, Flavored
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Pizza Cheese Curds

Cheese Curds, Flavored
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Dill Pickle Cheese Curds

Brick Muenster, Cow’s Milk
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Red Rind Muenster

US CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2023

Pasteurized Process Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Ellsworth Pasteurized Process White EZ Melt

Pasteurized Process Cheese, Flavored
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Ellsworth Pasteurized Process Elote & Jalapeño Pepper EZ Melt

Pasteurized Process Cheese, Flavored
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Ellsworth Jalapeño Pepper Cheese Food

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2022

Chairman’s Trophy (Most Outstanding Cheese of the Competition)
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Antonella Pepperoni & Marinara

Unique or Mild Flavor
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Antonella Pepperoni & Marinara

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Antonella Garden Vegetable with Sweet Basil

Natural Cheese Snack
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Dill Pickle Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Hickory Bacon Cheddar Cheese Curds

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cheddar Cheese Curds

Processed American Plain
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
White EZ Melt Loaf

FINALIST- WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD, 2022

Business Retention & Expansion

This award recognizes a single economic development project in which a community successfully mobilized to retain and/or expand an existing business of great importance to the community. The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery’s new Menomonie plant represents an investment of over $30 million, a collaboration with the City of Menomonie, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the creation of 78 jobs, many of which were retained from a previous Comstock location.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2022

Pepper Flavored Monterey Jack, High Heat
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Menomonie Facility, Menomonie, WI
Habanero Ghost Pepper Jack

Pasteurized Process Cheese
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Pizza Cheese

Pasteurized Process Cheeses, Flavored
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
New London Hot Pepper

Cheese Curds, Flavored
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Hickory Bacon Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Hot Buffalo Cheese Curds

AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION, 2022

Cheese Curds, Flavored
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Ranch Cheese Curds

WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST, 2022

Flavored Pasteurized Process Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
New London Hot Pepper

WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST, 2021

Flavored Pasteurized Process Cheese
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Wohlt Pizza Cheese (contains smoke)

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2021

Hot/Spicy Flavor Category
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Monterey Jack

Processed American Flavored Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
R & G Pepper Cheese Food

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Pimento Yellow American

Processed American Plain Cheese
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
St. Louis Style Pizza American Cheese

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2020

Pasteurized Process Cheeses
Second Award
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Whole White EZ-Melt American

Natural Snack Cheese, Cheese Curds
Second Award
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Jalapeño Bacon

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2020

Natural Snack Cheeses
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Ranch Cheddar Cheese Curds

Hot/Spicy Flavor Category
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Habanero Ghost Pepper Monterey Jack

Processed American Flavored Cheese
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Ghost Pepper American

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2019

Natural Snack Cheeses
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Cajun Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Hickory Bacon Cheddar Cheese Curds

Hot/Spicy Flavor Category
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Habanero Ghost Pepper Monterey Jack

Processed American Flavored Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Swiss Onion Blend Processed Cheese

Processed American Plain Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Swiss American Processed

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2018

Natural Snack Cheeses
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Cajun Cheddar Cheese Curds

Processed American Flavored Cheese
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Jalapeño Pepper American

Processed American Plain Cheese
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, New London Facility, New London, WI
Swiss American Processed

AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION, 2017

Class CM: Brick Muenster Cheese – Cow’s Milk
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Red Rind Muenster

Class KM: Flavored Cheeses, Monterey Jack with Flavor Added – All Milks
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Jack

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Ghost Pepper Jack

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2016

Unique/Mild Flavor Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Smoke & Bacon Cheddar

Hot/Spicy Flavor Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Jack

Natural Cheese Curd Snack Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Taco Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Garlic Cheddar Cheese Curds

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cajun Cheddar Cheese Curds

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Largest Display of Cheese Varieties, Harbin, China, April 2016
500 cheeses from different countries around the world created the “Largest Display of Cheese Varieties” at the World Dairy Expo in Harbin, China. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery joined 20 other Wisconsin cheese manufacturers to contribute to the display and World Record designation. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery had 60 artisan cheese varieties and 5 flavors of natural cheddar cheese curds as part of the display.

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2015

Natural Cheese Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Red Rind Muenster

Unique Flavor Category
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Jack

Natural Cheese Curd Snack Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Taco Cheddar Cheese Curds

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cajun Cheddar Cheese Curds

AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION, 2015

Class CB: American Originals, Brick Cheese – Cow’s Milk
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Wisconsin Brick

Class KM: Flavored Cheeses, Monterey Jack with Flavor Added – All Milks
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Jack

WISCONSIN MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR, 2014

Marketplace Opportunity Award
“Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery has a rich, 104-year history. While the product they manufacture has remained consistent for the past 50 years, their strategy for bringing that product to market has shifted considerably. Throughout the past six years they have been transitioning away from the commodities market to instead focus on building a brand consumers recognize for quality and value. Due to Ellsworth’s extensive marketing efforts their retail stores have become day trip destinations and attract thousands of tourists annually. They draw an astounding 75 percent of their traffic from outside of the area. “

NATIONAL MILK PRODUCERS FEDERATION CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2014

Natural Cheese Curd Snack Category
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Ranch Cheddar Cheese Curds

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Garlic Cheddar Cheese Curds

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Ellsworth Facility, Ellsworth, WI
Natural Cajun Cheddar Cheese Curds

AMERICAN CHEESE SOCIETY COMPETITION, 2013

Class CB: American Originals, Brick Cheese – Made from Cow’s Milk
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Wisconsin Brick

WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST, 2012

Class 17. Open Class Semi-Soft Cheese
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Havarti, 99.1

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2012

Class 31. Brick, Muenster
Second Award
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Wisconsin Brick, 98.2

WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST, 2006

Class 5. Brick/Muenster
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Muenster, 99.5

Class 10. Flavored Natural Cheese Award
Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Antonella Jalapeno Peppers, 99.45

WISCONSIN STATE FAIR CHEESE & BUTTER CONTEST, 2004

Class 10. Flavored Natural Cheeses Award
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Swedish Brick Caraway, 99.50

WORLD DAIRY EXPO CHAMPIONSHIP DAIRY PRODUCT CONTEST, 2004

Class Overall Award – Grand Champion
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Mild Wisconsin Brick, 99.85

Class Brick, Muenster Award
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Mild Wisconsin Brick, 99.85

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Muenster, 99.70

Third Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Muenster, 99.65

Class Flavored Natural Award
First Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Hot Pepper Muenster, 99.30

Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Caraway Swedish Brick, 99.20

UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST, 2003

Class 5. Brick, Muenster Award
Second Place
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Comstock Facility, Comstock, WI
Muenster, 98.9