Local cheesemaker earns several first-place awards, including Grand Champion Cheddar, putting Eastern Ontario’s dairy industry in the national spotlight.
There’s plenty to celebrate in Lancaster, where Glengarry Fine Cheese has once again proven that some of Canada’s finest cheeses are being made right here in Eastern Ontario.
The locally owned artisan cheesemaker brought home several major awards from the 2026 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, earning top honours in multiple categories and adding to its growing collection of national and international recognition.
Among the winners were the company’s popular Celtic Blue and La Petite Fleur Pavée cheeses, which both earned first-place finishes. Celtic Reserve also impressed the judges, taking third place.
But the biggest recognition came in the cheddar competition.
Glengarry Fine Cheese earned first-place awards for both its one-year-old and two-year-aged cheddars, with its Iron Horse cheddar receiving the prestigious Grand Champion Cheddar title.
Local Milk, Local Talent and a Winning Recipe
For company founder Margaret Peters Morris, the awards are a reflection of the dedication, experience and attention to detail that go into every batch of cheese.
Speaking with The Vankleek Hill Review, Peters Morris credited the company’s success to three important ingredients: high-quality milk from nearby dairy farms, an experienced cheesemaking team and a commitment to producing consistently excellent products.
The company uses milk from neighbouring farms, including Brown Swiss dairy cows, and produces its cheeses using traditional European methods.
Its Lancaster facility features specially designed aging rooms that allow cheeses to develop their distinctive flavours and textures over time.
The awards also highlight the important relationship between local dairy farmers and food producers, showing how Eastern Ontario agriculture can compete with some of the best in the country.
From a Family Farm to an Award-Winning Business
Glengarry Fine Cheese has deep roots in the region.
Peters Morris began making cheese in the early 1990s using milk produced on her family’s farm. Those early recipes eventually became the foundation for many of the products still being made today.
In 2000, she established Glengarry Cheesemaking Supplies, a business providing equipment, ingredients and technical support to cheesemakers across Canada and the United States.
Eight years later, in 2008, Glengarry Fine Cheese officially opened its artisan cheese production facility in Lancaster.
Since then, the company has built an impressive reputation, collecting more than 30 prestigious awards and developing a loyal following among cheese lovers.
Its products have also earned recognition at international competitions, including the Global Cheese Awards and the American Cheese Society Competition.
A Boost for Lancaster and the Local Economy
Beyond the trophies, the recognition is also good news for the local economy.
Peters Morris told The Review that competition awards help introduce the company to new customers while strengthening its reputation in the specialty cheese market.
The business has developed a strong local customer base, with some cheese lovers travelling considerable distances to visit the Lancaster facility and purchase products directly.
The company also offers online shopping, helping introduce its Eastern Ontario-made products to customers beyond the region.
Looking ahead to 2027, Peters Morris says the focus will remain on maintaining quality, supporting the business and achieving modest growth.
For a company that started with milk from a family farm, the latest awards are another reminder that world-class products don’t always come from big cities or large factories.
Sometimes, they’re made right here in Glengarry.
For more information about Glengarry Fine Cheese and its products, visit www.glengarryfinecheese.com.