The world's best cheese makes a comeback at the World Cheese Awards

Nidelven Blå – the world's best cheese from Inderøy

During the World Cheese Awards in Trondheim in 2023, Nidelven Blå from Gangstad Gårdsysteri was named the world's best cheese.
For the first time since its prestigious victory, the award-winning blue cheese is ready for another World Cheese Awards.

– We didn't have a chance to participate with Nidelven Blå last year, says Maren Gangstad, general manager of the farm cheese factory. – After the victory in Trondheim, everything we were able to produce was sold. It wasn't just the winning cheese that attracted attention, we noticed a significant increase in demand for all of our cheeses.

Fortunately, the farm had invested in a new barn that was ready a month before the World Cup. “Since then, we have increased production by 15 percent,” she says happily. “Now it will be exciting to participate again.”

A must for Christmas

Maren has strong ties to the farm and its tradition. She is married to her son on the farm and has many childhood memories of the cheese factory.
– I grew up in Steinkjer, just a few minutes' drive away, she says. – In our house, the Snadderosten from Gangstad was a regular and beloved feature of Christmas. Without it, something would have been missing.

She started working at the cheese factory herself in 2017. – I had no experience with artisanal cheesemaking, but I have a bachelor's degree in food science from NMBU in Ås and have worked at both Synnøve Finden and Tine, she says.

Safe apprenticeship and craft knowledge

– The biggest challenge was learning all the nuances of the cheesemaking process, says Maren.
– From how big the cheese curds should be cut to how the cheese should be stirred. Fortunately, I received training from our experienced head chef, Hanne Heimveg, who has been with us for 23 years and has full control.

Although much of Maren's job involves administration, she likes to participate in cheesemaking when she can.
– I like to move around a bit and be social. That's where we chat, she says with a smile.

More than a cheese factory – an experience worth visiting

Gangstad Gårdsysteri was established in 1998 by Astrid Aasen and Perry Frøysadal , Maren's parents-in-law. It was the country's first authorized farm dairy to use milk from its own cows.

Today, the family business produces around 55 tons of cheese a year and offers a wide range of products.
The farm is beautifully located along the Golden Detour in Inderøy municipality – a well-known destination for food lovers in Trøndelag.

Here, visitors can shop in the farm shop, taste the cheeses, and enjoy homemade ice cream made from fresh milk from the farm's own cows – especially popular in the summer.

At the World Cheese Championships in Trondheim, Gangstad participated with eight cheeses. A total of seven received medals – clear proof of quality and craftsmanship.

No performance anxiety before the Cheese World Cup

How does it feel to participate again, after becoming world champions?

– Others may feel the pressure of expectations on our behalf, says Maren. – For us, it's mostly about the joy of participating and seeing how it goes.
She adds that Nidelven Blå took second place in the Norwegian Cheese Championship earlier this year, and that both the Norwegian Cheese Championship and the World Championship have raised interest in Norwegian cheese in general.

“Norwegian cheese is no longer just competing. We are helping to set the standard internationally,” she says proudly.
– The fact that we won gold in the Cheese World Championship still feels like an unreal dream. Now we are participating again, not because we have to win, but because it is fun.

Gangstad Gårdsysteri puts Norwegian cheese on the world map

Gangstad Gårdsysteri has become a symbol of Norwegian artisan cheese and world-class quality.
Through local roots, tradition and expertise, they have shown that small producers can compete with the largest.

Visit Gangstad Gårdsysteri on Inderøy and taste the difference for yourself – whether you are a cheese lover, a tourist or just curious about real local food from Trøndelag.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Nidelven Blue?
Nidelven Blå is an award-winning blue cheese from Gangstad Gårdsysteri, voted the world's best cheese in 2023.

2. Where is Gangstad Farm Sisterhood located?
The farm is located on Inderøy in Trøndelag, along Den Gyldne Omvei – a popular food and cultural area.

3. Can you visit the farm?
Yes! The farm has its own shop, cheese tasting and serves ice cream made from milk from its own cows.

4. How many types of cheese does Gangstad make?
The farm cheese factory produces 12 different cheeses, several of them award-winning both nationally and internationally.

5. What is special about Norwegian cheese?
Norwegian cheese is characterized by pure milk, small-scale production and artisanal traditions that provide unique taste and quality.

6. Why is the Cheese World Cup important?
The World Cheese Awards focus on quality and innovation in cheese production – and have made Norway known as a leading cheese-making nation.

Gangstad Gårdsysteri combines tradition, passion and innovation in a way that inspires.
After their victory with Nidelven Blå in 2023, they have strengthened both production and Norway's reputation as a nation of ostentation.
The fact that they are now participating again in the Cheese World Championship is not just about competition – but about the joy of sharing the taste of Trøndelag with the world.