A Proud Tradition in Dutch Cheese Expertise

In 1960, a new tradition was born in the Netherlands – a country renowned for its cheese: the Dutch National Cheese Connoisseur Contest (NNKC) was established. Its mission? To promote and recognize the expertise of professionals working in the cheese industry. Expertise covering the full spectrum of cheese varieties produced in the Netherlands!

More than 60 years later, thanks in part to this contest, the level of knowledge and skill within the Dutch cheese sector has reached unprecedented heights. Each year, around 650 participants take part in the NNKC, making it the largest professional cheese competition in the Netherlands. It’s not the product that’s being judged – it’s the craftsmanship of the individual!

Participants from across the cheese industry – including production, trade, specialty shops, retail, and research institutes – are presented with ten cheese samples. The challenge: to accurately describe the type, age, flavor, and quality. The best judges are rewarded with prizes.

Top scorers receive bronze, silver, or gold medals. The overall winner is awarded the prestigious Golden Cheese Drill chain – the highest honor in the Dutch cheese world (see list of winners). The awards are presented during a festive evening event, which also includes networking opportunities and a well-stocked goodie bag for all attendees.

Gemzu (the Dutch dairy trade association) and the NZO (the Dutch dairy industry organization) each appoint members to the NNKC board. The current board members are:

Joyce van Mill (voorzitter), Visser Kaas
Klaas Hokse, Rouveen Kaasspecialiteiten
Ron Krekels, Uniekaas Holland BV
Ron Lekkerkerker, Trade & Valorization Industrial Cheese
Tuncay Őzgüner, Royal FrieslandCampina Cheese & Butter
Bart Jan de Graaff, Vandersterre Holland BV