UINTAH, Utah — Beehive Cheese is proud to announce three medal wins at the 104th Los Angeles International Dairy Competition (LAIDC), one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious dairy competitions. Established in 1922 and hosted annually in conjunction with the LA County Fair, the LAIDC recognizes outstanding producers of cheese, fluid milk, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. This year’s results mark another milestone in Beehive’s legacy of crafting award-winning, rubbed-rind cheddars.

2026 Medal Results

★ BEST OF CLASS • GOLD MEDAL (94 Points) — Red Butte Hatch Chile, Cow’s Milk

★ GOLD MEDAL (91 Points) — Bee-Chive, Cow’s Milk

☆ SILVER MEDAL — Seahive, Cow’s Milk

Red Butte Hatch Chile, Beehive’s bold cheddar rubbed with New Mexico Hatch chiles, claimed the top honor in the Cow Milk Cheese category with a score of 94 points, earning both the Best of Class distinction and the Gold Medal. This recognition reflects the cheese’s consistent excellence and its unique character, which has made it a standout in Beehive’s lineup.

Equally exciting is the Gold Medal performance of Bee-Chive, Beehive’s newest addition to its celebrated family of rubbed-rind cheddars. Launched in 2026, Bee-Chive makes its competition debut at the LAIDC and immediately delivers, earning 91 points and a Gold Medal. A nod to both Beehive’s identity and the beloved herb chive, this cheese represents the next chapter in the creamery’s tradition of inventive, handcrafted rinds. That Bee-Chive earned this recognition straight out of the gate speaks to the care and craftsmanship that goes into every wheel.

Rounding out the wins, Seahive, Beehive’s iconic cheddar rubbed with a blend of raw honey and Redmond Real Salt, earned a Silver Medal, continuing its long track record of recognition at competitions across the country.

“We are incredibly proud of what this recognition represents, not just for the cheeses themselves, but for the team behind every wheel we make. Bringing Bee-Chive into the world this year and having it earn a Gold Medal on its very first outing is a moment we’ll remember. These wins at the LA International Dairy Competition affirm what we’ve always believed: that thoughtful, handcrafted cheese made with great ingredients speaks for itself.”

— Katie Schall, Director of Marketing at Beehive Cheese

About Beehive Cheese

Founded in Uintah, Utah, Beehive Cheese is an award-winning artisan creamery known for its distinctive rubbed-rind cheddars. From Barely Buzzed to Red Butte Hatch Chile to the newly launched Bee-Chive, Beehive’s cheeses have earned over 170 recognitions since 2005 at competitions across the United States and the world. Each wheel is handcrafted using high-quality cow’s milk and finished with inspired rubs that reflect their pioneering spirit.

About the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition

Established in 1922, the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition is one of the oldest and most respected dairy competitions in the United States. Now in its 104th year, the competition celebrates excellence in fluid milk, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and cheese. Medal winners and participants are exhibited at the LA County Fair.