Norwegian cheese Kraftkar crowned best in world

Kraftkar, made by a family-run company in western Norway, has been awarded the best cheese in the world, newspaper Aftenposten reported on Friday.

The achievement was noted at the 29th World Cheese Awards, held in the Spanish city of San Sebastian on Wednesday evening.

However, Cheese farmers from the Tingvoll area -- where the cheese is made -- have already proved the quality of their work. Two years ago, their white mold cheese "mild mester" was one of 62 finalists among the 2,727 participants and won the Super Gold at the awards.

A total of 266 experts tasted and judged 3,021 cheeses this year. Kraftkar won 71 points, which was four points more than the next best.

"We have received prizes for many cheeses, but to smash the world elite is something we've only dreamed of and never dare to believe," Egil Smith-Meyer, general manager of Tingvollost AS, told newspaper Tidens Krav.

According to Aftenposten, it is regarded as a sensation that the small family company has beat out the big famous brands.

Kraftkar is sold throughout Norway and in restaurants in Scandinavia.

"We are small and have problems fulfilling all the requirements. We even have problems covering the need in the Nordmore. This shows the potential. One should remember that our business plan says we are to be leading in More and Romsdal county. Now we have the world's best cheese," Smith-Meyer said. Endit