American cheesemonger wins World Cheese Competition for first time in history

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I can’t believe it! For the very first time, an American cheesemaker has won the top prize at the World Cheese Competition in France! It’s such a historic moment for the US cheese industry – this competition is one of the most prestigious in the world, so it’s a huge deal. I’m so excited for them! #cheese

Emilia D’Albero, a cheesemonger from Philadelphia, and her teammate Courtney Johnson from Seattle, took home the gold at the Mondial du Fromage – often called the Cheesemonger Olympics. As CBS News first reported, they also made history as the first all-female Team USA to compete in the event.

D’Albero started working with cheese eight years ago and has since become well-known thanks to her work in Philadelphia and her widely followed TikTok account, PunkRockParmigiano. She uses her platform to showcase the important work of cheesemongers and to teach people about the art of cheese – how to cut it, pair it with other foods, and present it beautifully. She’s become a trusted voice in the cheese world, sharing her passion with a large online audience.

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Nine grueling cheese challenges

The Mondial du Fromage is a global competition where the best cheesemongers compete in nine different events. Participants are tested through written exams, taste tests where they can’t see the cheese, how accurately they can cut cheese, and even their ability to sculpt with it. Finally, they must create a 100-centimeter cheese board, or plateau, based on a specific theme.

“I competed using just two knives and a wire cutter,” D’Albero explained, noting she prepared for the event at the Philly Cheese School located in South Philadelphia. “It really made me want to represent American cheesemongers to the best of my ability.”

With her victory, she wants to raise awareness about her line of work in the United States, noting that cheesemongers aren’t as appreciated as they are in Europe. “It absolutely requires skill,” she explained. “We need to have a comprehensive understanding of every cheese we offer.”

Holding her gold medal, D’Albero expressed her hope that her win demonstrates American cheese experts are world-class. “I want people to understand that cheese is accessible to all, not just those with means. It’s something everyone can savor, and a skilled cheesemaker will always make you feel welcome.”

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2025-09-30 17:48