Setting the Gold Standard

For decades the Los Angeles International Competitions have bestowed gold medals to the best wines, spirits, olive oils and dairy products from around the globe, showcasing the winners at the LA County Fair. In fact, the Dairy Competition celebrated its centennial anniversary along with the Fair itself in 2022.

Now in its 101st year, the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition gathers the best of the best of an array of products from milk to cheese to butter to kefir and ice cream, and more. Some of the most distinctive palates of industry professionals from around the globe measure entries for taste, texture, odor, appearance and other qualities to determine which brand walks away with gold.

Past medal winners have included an earthy chevré, a herd of Mexican cheeses, and, in a continuing streak since the 1950s, Thrifty’s Ice Cream in flavors Rocky Road, Rainbow Sherbet and Chocolate Malted Krunch. Past states and countries represented include California, Wisconsin (of course!), Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Britain, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

The Los Angeles International Competitions are the foundation for an extensive education program that’s available to more than 600,000 paid visitors to the LA County Fair. Public wine tasting began in 1968; in 1998 a wine education center opened, complete with consumer-driven classes, tastings and a display of the award-winning wines. Extra virgin olive oils, spirits and dairy products add to the consumer experience. The Los Angeles International Competitions are committed to educating the public, featuring industry experts with extensive knowledge about selection, tasting and food pairings.