Two Danish products and one from Iceland took home the top prizes when the International Food Contest (IFC) on Tuesday crowned the winners of this year’s major Nordic dairy competition at MCH Messecenter Herning.

Gold confetti filled the air, champagne corks popped on the floor, and Tina Turner’s iconic “You’re Simply the Best” blasted through the speakers as the winners of the International Food Contest 2025 were celebrated at MCH Messecenter Herning.

The three main awards went to an Icelandic mocha skyr from MS Selfossi, unsalted Lurpak butter from Arla Holstebro Dairy, and Lillebror cheese sticks from Arla Birkum Dairy on Funen. That meant two Danish and one Icelandic product claimed victory in this year’s Nordic dairy showdown.

“A Great Honour”

At MS Selfossi, the award was welcomed with pride:

• It’s wonderful to bring the prize home to Iceland, the birthplace of skyr. Winning an International Food Contest is a great honour, as the quality of products from Nordic dairies is extremely high,” said Gísli Jósep Hreggviðsson, responsible for skyr and yogurt at MS Selfossi, in a press release from the Danish Dairy Board.

Pride in Holstebro and on Funen

For Holstebro Dairy, victory is a familiar feeling – but no less meaningful:

• Winning never gets old. This is the ultimate recognition, it really means something to us and all our colleagues,” said production manager Søren Dalsgaard.

At Birkum Dairy, the excitement was just as strong:

• I’m not sure, but I think this might be the first time we’ve won. It’s fantastic,” said site administrator Trine Ollerup.
• We are incredibly proud of this victory. It’s recognition of our expertise and the solid everyday work carried out by us and our colleagues,” added team leader Alice Rose Andersen.

Focus on Dairy Craftsmanship

That a Lillebror cheese stick won the cheese category may surprise some. The product is aimed mainly at children and is far from the large, long-matured cheeses often associated with competitions of this calibre. But at the International Food Contest, it isn’t about the target audience – it’s about the craftsmanship behind the product.

• The International Food Contest is a competition where the industry celebrates dairy and technical excellence. In short, it’s about delivering a product that is technically outstanding – whether it’s a long-aged cheese for restaurant diners or a product made for children, said competition coordinator Lars Johannes Nielsen, according to the Danish Dairy Board.

A Salute to the Gourmet Prize Winners

At the opening of IFC, the winners of the Dairy Board’s Gourmet Prizes were also celebrated. The winners had already been announced earlier this year, but on Tuesday they received their official recognition on stage in Hall D. The judging trio – Michelin-starred chefs Eric Vildgaard and Brian Mark Hansen together with food entrepreneur Timm Vladimir – praised the products for their craftsmanship, originality, and courage in working with new ingredients.

Congratulations to This Year’s Winners of the International Food Contest

International Dairy Contest

• MS Selfossi – Ísey Skyr Lactose Free Mocha
• Arla Holstebro Dairy – Lurpak UK 200 g Unsalted
• Arla Birkum Dairy – Lillebror 45+ Plain

Gourmet Prizes

• Hårbølle Dairy – Cultured Sheep’s Cream
• Aabybro Dairy – Traditional Churned Butter with Læsø Sea Salt and Danish Pistachio Ice Cream
• Thise Dairy – Fyrtårn Cheese
• Arla Gjesing Dairy – Sølvræv

Photo: Tony Brøchner

By Maja Løvstrup