Summer Land Camels Scores 99.6 at World Championship Cheese Contest
An unlikely hero from the Scenic Rim has taken on the world’s best cheesemakers - and won.
Queensland’s Summer Land Camels has claimed Bronze at the prestigious 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, with its Marinated Camel Cheese - Persian Feta Style scoring an exceptional 99.6 out of 100 from international dairy judges. The award-winning cheese is made from fresh camel milk and delicately marinated in olive oil, canola oil, thyme, pepper and salt.
The award came in the fiercely contested Open Class – All Other Milk Cheese category, recognising cheeses made from alternative milks including camel, sheep and buffalo. Judges praised the product’s craftsmanship and flavour balance, noting the “attention to detail on marinade was very balanced”.
Summer Land Camels has won 75 dairy awards since 2018, with it’s famed Camel Cheese Persian Feta Style taking 21 of those.
This latest result places the Scenic Rim producer among the world’s elite cheesemakers and marks the second time Summer Land Camels has medalled at the global competition, after also taking home third in 2024. Held every two years and run by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, the World Championship Cheese Contest is regarded as one of the most rigorous dairy competitions in the world, with products judged by international experts on flavour, texture, colour, salt balance, finish and packaging.
Summer Land Camels founder Paul Martin said the recognition was a proud moment for Australian camel dairy and regional food producers.
“To be recognised on the world stage alongside some of the most celebrated cheesemakers on the planet is incredibly exciting,” he said. “Camel milk produces a beautifully clean, creamy cheese that carries flavour exceptionally well. We’re thrilled judges loved the balance of the marinade and the quality of the cheese.”
Located in Harrisville, Summer Land Camels is Australia’s largest camel dairy and a pioneer of camel milk products, producing everything from cheeses and gelato to skincare. Visitors to the farm can experience the unique world of camel dairying firsthand — meeting the gentle giants, enjoying camel milk delicacies, taking farm tours, snapping a photo or stealing a kiss with a camel.
With global recognition now under its belt (twice), the award-winning camel dairy is going to need a bigger mantlepiece!
Summer Land Camels – open 7 days a week
Camel Rides, Farm Tours, Camel Milk Skincare – Summer Land Camels
Contact details:
Kath Rose
0416 291 493 [email protected]
