Ladakh’s traditional yak-milk churpi has earned international recognition, with Yak Churpi-Soft from Nordic Farm, Leh, winning a Gold medal at the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026. The achievement places a traditional Himalayan dairy product on the global artisanal cheese map.
The award-winning product was made by Thenlay Nurboo, a yak herder from Ladakh who manages a herd of nearly 200 yaks in the high-altitude region. His yak dairy enterprise is located at around 16,600 feet, highlighting the unique production environment behind the cheese.
India made an impressive debut at the 2026 Brazilian competition, securing four medals: one Super Gold, two Golds and one Silver. The Super Gold went to Eleftheria Gulmarg (Brie Style), while the other Gold was awarded to Eleftheria Brunost (Whey Cheese) and the Silver to Eleftheria Kaali Miri (Belper Knolle Style).
Yak Churpi-Soft represents a softer form of the traditional Himalayan churpi, a cheese traditionally associated with yak milk and high-altitude communities. Nurboo reportedly sent the product to the Brazilian competition with support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
The Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, held in São Paulo from April 16–19, 2026, brought together international cheesemakers and dairy products for competition and recognition. The Indian results demonstrate the potential for indigenous dairy products, regional milk resources and artisanal processing to create premium value beyond conventional dairy markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Thenlay Nurboo and Mausam Narang, saying the success strengthens India’s artisanal dairy sector on the global stage. (DD News)
Source: Dairynews7x7 10 Aug, 2026 Read full story here
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