A Belgian cheese judged “the best in the world”
The prestigious Concours International de Lyon has named a cheese from Rumbeke (West Flanders) as best in the world in the Gouda category.
An award that came as a complete surprise to the ‘t Groendal cheese dairy, located in Rumbeke on the outskirts of the town of Roeselare (province of West Flanders). While their cheeses had already notched up several awards in the past, their participation in the prestigious Concours International de Lyon represented an exceptional achievement in 2025.
No fewer than 2,200 cheeses from 23 different countries were brought together for this competition, regarded as the most important organised by the French cheese industry. A total of 630 jury members took part in the tastings, which were based on criteria relating to the taste, texture, appearance and aroma of each cheese.
In the end, it was the cheese called “Ancienne Belgique” that was named the best in the world in the Gouda category, with a score of 100/100 awarded by the entire jury.
For cheese lovers, this cow’s milk cheese is matured for 10 months, resulting in a slight crystallisation that gives it a pleasant crunch in the mouth. But although the “Ancienne Belgique” is slightly piquant to the taste, it is still a smooth cheese to savour.
A magnificent Belgian achievement in the land of cheese!
Source: https://focusonbelgium.be