Cheese Comebacks, Awards, Festival Plans Span Communities

Cheese is drawing attention in several ways, from nostalgic party food to new products and community events. The classic cheese ball is enjoying a revival alongside other retro dishes. In New Zealand, Karikaas Natural Dairy Products has introduced Makerikeri, an annatto-colored cheese designed for cheese boards and melting. In Ireland, Gubbeen Farmhouse’s traditionally smoked extra-mature cheese won silver at the 2026 CÁIS Irish Cheese Awards and is now available through Dunnes Stores. Meanwhile, Mobile’s Grilled Cheese Meltdown will bring local businesses together to compete, with proceeds supporting a nonprofit incubator for entrepreneurs and small businesses.