FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For further information, contact:
Christie Lincoln
(503) 815-1358
clincoln@tillamookcheese.com

Tillamook branded cheeses added eight new awards to its list of accomplishments. At the National Milk Producers Federation's (NMPF) annual meeting held Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 in San Francisco, Calif., a variety of Tillamook cheese products received high marks and awards in the 2005 Cheese Contest.
 
Tillamook cheese products placed highly among the national cooperatives that entered cheeses in 11 different categories. Tillamook Monterey Jack won first and second, with scores of 99.8 and 99.6 respectively, in the natural cheese category. In the unique/flavored category, TCCA won another first place, with a score of 99.6, for Tillamook Pepper Jack, and a second place award for Tillamook Colby Jack with a score of 98.9.
 
In the cheddar categories, Tillamook medium cheddar won second place with a score of 99, Tillamook sharp cheddar won third place with a score of 97.8 in the aged category. Second and third place awards were also won in the mild cheddar category.
 
Expert evaluators assess and score the cheese entries based on different quality attributes such as flavor, body and texture, and color and appearance. In the cheddar categories, judges also look for a balanced cheddar flavor, no "off" flavors like being bitter or sour, good body and textures that would allow for expected melting and slicing, and an appearance that is typical of the cheese being evaluated.    
 
"Winning national awards like these demonstrates TCCA's continued commitment to creating high quality cheeses and dairy products," said Jim McMullen, TCCA president and CEO "We are proud that Tillamook products continue to be recognized for their consistent quality and flavor after so many years."
 
The Tillamook County Creamery Association, formed as a cooperative in 1909, has earned a reputation as one of the nation's premier brands of cheese. Tillamook is a national marketer of naturally aged cheddar and a variety of other cheeses, butter, and an extensive line of premium ice cream, sour cream and yogurt.

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