WATERLOO, WIS. – Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese left the 2022 Wisconsin State Fair with the title of Grand Master Cheesemaker, thanks to its top-rated Chocolate Mascarpone.

A family-owned business for 20 years, Crave Brothers earned the state fair cheese competition’s top honor for the first time, as its Chocolate Mascarpone received a score of 99.7 from the judges.

More than 300 locally produced dairy products entered the statewide competition. The Crave Brothers’ top-rated flavored soft cheese was the grand champion out of 40 first-place winners in various categories of products.

"Our Chocolate Mascarpone has become a favorite with customers, and we're delighted to add this coveted recognition to our growing list of awards for our newest product," said Crave Brothers' founder, George Crave. "It's especially rewarding to be recognized as we celebrate our 20-year anniversary."

Crave Brothers also picked up a second place award in the open class, soft and spreadable cheese, for its Mozzarella Medallions, as well as two third-place awards for its Mascarpone and Marinated Fresh Mozzarella.

Based in south-central Wisconsin, the Crave farm also grows soybeans, corn and alfalfa, which it feeds to its Holstein cows. The farm and its cheesemaking business use 100% green power and are carbon-negative businesses.