25.10.2009

Mountain Cheese Olympics in Jura – It’s raining medals at the Mountain Cheese Festival!
Today, it became clear which nations produce the best mountain cheeses in the world: Swiss cheese-makers won 39 of the 64 medals while their colleagues and neighbours will be taking 25 home with them. Mountain cheeses from Japan, Canada and Mexico were also awarded prizes by the 100 strong judging panel.

Winners list (PDF, 129 kB)

Images

23.10.2009

The Mountain Cheese Olympics in Jura
100 international judges came to Bellelay Abbey today to decide which of the 605 mountain cheeses entered were the best in their category. Which of the cheese-makers have won one of the 61 medals will be announced on Sunday in Saignelégier at the prize-giving ceremony. Cheese-makers from the well-known European mountain nations have been joined by colleagues from as far afield as Japan, Mexico and Canada – all vying for the title of the world’s best mountain cheese.

Welcome address of Mr. Michel Probst, Minister for Economy, Cooperation and Municipalities, President of the Government (French, PDF, 14 kB)

Welcome address of Mr. Andreas Rickenbacher, Cantonal Councillor, Director of Economic Affairs for the Canton of Bern (German, PDF, 41 kB)

Images

10.10.2009

Updated program

01.10.2009

Our great cheese festival is about to begin! Mountain Cheese Olympics in Jura
Bellelay, 1^st October 2009 – The Jura region has every right to be proud – in just over three weeks, the region will play host to a huge cheese festival guaranteed to delight the whole family and sure to attract a great deal of attention from both home and abroad. For four days, mountain cheese will be in the spotlight, whether at the international market with 60 producers exhibiting their wares or at the Olympics, where the best mountain cheeses in the world will be selected for the sixth time.

Programme

22.09.2009

It is time to register for the Mountain Cheese Olympics – a great cheese festival in Jura!
The Mountain Cheese Olympics are being held for the sixth time, with Switzerland as host country for the second time. This year, it will take place under the patronage of Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard. Bernese Jura and Jura, home of the Tête de Moine, will be offering participants and visitors alike an attractive and active programme for this important event for the international cheese industry.

Programme und registration form

08.08.2009

The 6^th Mountain Cheese Olympic flame officially lit
August 8^th – Today, the Mountain Cheese Olympic flame from Oberstdorf (2007) arrived in Jura, the new host region, and was handed over to Michel Probst (JU) and Andreas Rickenbacher (BE), government representatives for the two host cantons, during an official ceremony. Hans-Rudolf Merz, the Swiss Federal President and Finance Minister, was also present at the Saignelégier national horse competition.

German | French

17.06.2009

Entries are now being accepted for the Mountain Cheese Olympics
(only in German and French)
Over recent years, more than 700 cheeses, entered by competitors from more than 10 countries have taken part in the Mountain Cheese Olympics. Prospective competitors will be invited to enter for this year’s competition in the coming days. On the 8th August, the Olympic flame from the Mountain Cheese Olympics held in Oberstorf (2007) will be carried to the host region of Jura to be handed over to the respective government officials from the two cantons, Michel Probst (JU) and Andreas Rickenbacher (BE) during a special ceremony. The Swiss Federal President and Finance Minister, Hans-Rudolf Merz, will also be present at the Marché Concours in Saignelégier.

Extracts from the programme and highlights from the fringe programme (German/French, 39 kB)

Registration for the official events (German/French, 42 kB)

02.04.2009

Mountain Cheese Olympics and a great cheese festival in Jura
(only in German and French)
The Mountain Cheese Olympics are being held for the sixth time, with Switzerland as host country for the second time. This year, it will take place under the patronage of Federal Councillor Doris Leuthard. Bernese Jura, home of the Tête de Moine and Jura will be offering participants and visitors alike an attractive and active programme for this important event for the international cheese industry. From the 22nd to the 25th October 2009, mountain cheeses from around the globe will be judged and awarded prizes based on their taste and appearance. The venerable church in Bellelay Monastery, birthplace of the Tête de Moine, will be the prestigious location for the international panel of judges to carry out their work.

31.10.2008

The 2009 Mountain Cheese Olympics is officially underway
(only in German and French)