PM Modi Applauds India’s Historic Debut At World Cheese Awards in Brazil

The Prime Minister took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the winners, stating that such successes significantly “strengthen India’s artisanal dairy sector at the World Cheese Awards.” This victory is particularly notable as India, despite being the world’s largest milk producer, has only recently begun making waves in the high-end, artisanal cheese market.

The Champions of Indian Artisanal Cheese

The competition in Brazil is one of the most prestigious in the world. Two Indian producers, Eleftheria Cheese from Mumbai and Nordic Farm from Ladakh, stood out among thousands of international entries.

A Fusion of Global Techniques and Local Terroir

The wins reflect a unique blend of traditional European styles and uniquely Indian ingredients:

The Himalayan Gold: Thenlay Nurboo’s Yak Churpi from Leh, Ladakh, brought the spotlight to indigenous Himalayan dairy. Traditionally a hard, smoked cheese, this “soft” version impressed judges with its creamy texture and the distinct profile of high-altitude yak milk.

The Mumbai Masterclass: Mausam Narang’s Eleftheria Gulmarg is a bloomy-rind cheese inspired by the French Brie but crafted in Mumbai. Their Brunost—a caramel-like whey cheese—and the Kaali Miri, which uses Indian black peppercorns, further showcased India’s ability to innovate within classic categories.

Significance for India’s “White Revolution 2.0”

For decades, India’s liquid milk and mass-produced paneer or ghee defined India’s dairy sector. However, this international recognition marks the beginning of an era where people value Indian “terroir.”

“Such recognition reflects the burgeoning global reputation and excellence of India’s artisanal dairy sector,” PM Modi emphasized.

By winning in Brazil—a nation with a deep-rooted cheese culture—India has proven it can compete with the traditional masters of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experts expect This achievement to boost the “Make in India” initiative for premium food exports and encourage more small-batch dairy entrepreneurs across the country.