The 2025 Mondial du Fromage Winner Is a Cheese Dream Come True

Move over, brie and camembert—there’s a new reigning monarch in the world of cheese, and it’s Swiss. At the 2025 Mondial du Fromage in Tours, France, a perfectly aged wheel of Le Gruyère AOP Vieux from Fromagerie la Côte-aux-Fées stole the show, triumphing over more than 1,900 other cheeses to claim Best in Show.

Photo From: Le Gruyère AOP / Food & Wine

The Mondial du Fromage, a biennial event that’s part trade show, part world-class tasting, and part cheesemonger Olympics, draws dairy pros and fans from around the globe. This year, mid-September saw Tours transformed into a cheese paradise, featuring juried tastings, industry showcases, and the fiercely competitive World’s Best Cheesemonger contest.

Swiss Cheese Takes the Crown

Le Gruyère AOP Vieux, crafted by Simon Miguet, isn’t a newcomer to glory. This Swiss classic has a track record that would make even the most seasoned cheese envy-struck: five Best in Show wins at the World Cheese Awards since 1992 and three at the World Championship Cheese Contest.

Protected by strict geographical and quality standards, “Le Gruyère AOP is not just another cheese,” says Denis Kaser, international marketing manager for the Interprofessional du Gruyère. “It represents centuries of tradition, carried on by our farmers, cheesemakers, and affineurs. Everything is tied to our region and our know-how, which makes it impossible to copy.”

Fans of the cheese—including American cheesemongers Emilia D’Albero, Courtney Johnson, and local expert Moskowitz—agree. From creamy, lactic notes to savory, umami-rich depths, Le Gruyère AOP offers a new flavor experience depending on its age. Moskowitz sums it up perfectly: “It’s a perfect cheese because it’s welcome at any time of day. It’s good on its own. It’s good on a sandwich. It’s meant to be melted.”

Historic Wins for Team USA

While Swiss cheese reigned supreme, Team USA made history. Emilia D’Albero of Formaticum and Courtney Johnson of Seattle’s Street Cheese became the first all-female American team in the cheesemonger competition. D’Albero grabbed gold, marking the first American ever to do so, while Johnson took bronze. The two competed against 18 candidates from 14 countries, including cheese powerhouses like France, Italy, and Switzerland.

“The Mondial du Fromage is essentially the worldwide cheesemonger Olympics,” D’Albero says. “It’s a platform for high-level cheesemongering techniques to be showcased to the entire trade, and for mongers from around the world to show off their skills and represent their country’s cheese industry.” (According to Food & Wine)

But There’s a Catch

Even the world’s best cheese faces challenges. Le Gruyère AOP’s U.S. fans may soon see it priced sky-high thanks to tariffs: a 39% spike on top of an existing 10% duty. And to make matters worse, American producers can still slap the name “gruyère” on domestic cheese, diluting the market. Moskowitz warns: “If you want to experience gruyère’s glory, Le Gruyère AOP is what you want. That’s the gruyère you’re looking for.”

So, next time you’re hunting for cheese worth bragging about, think Swiss, think tradition, think a wheel that has taken home the crown again and again. You’ll be able to say you’ve tried the official Best Cheese in the World, 2025 edition.