Cheese from Lanco-Pennland Cooperative’s local cheese plant, Pennland Pure in Hancock, won seven medals for their products at the American Cheese Society Judging and Competition. The company released details about their awards last week.
The event, a technical and aesthetic evaluation of American-made cheeses, took place in early June at the Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus.
Pennland Pure received their honors at the conference in July in Buffalo, N.Y.
The American Cheese Society evaluated 1,800 cheese and cultured dairy product entries in 122 categories in 2024, and awarded 370 medals, according to event organizers.
Pennland Pure was awarded a total of seven medals. 
Sharpsburg Cheddar placed first and third in the 13–23-month Cheddar category. Sharpsburg Cheddar also placed first and second in the Mature Cheddar 48 or more months. Extreme Irish Cheddar won third place in the Sweet Cheddar category. Whole Milk Mozzarella won second place in the Mozzarella Types category. Provolone won first place in the Pasta Filata Types. 
Pennland Pure cheeses can be purchased on line but are also sold across the region at Mr. Hardware in Hancock, at Horst Meats in Hagerstown and at Battleview Market located in Sharpsburg, Md.
Notable wholesale customers include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dietz & Watson, and Weiss Markets Deli.
“Pennland Pure is excited to collaborate this accomplishment with our local community and dairy farmer owners, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their unwavering support,” said company officials.
Kurt Williams, Lanco-Pennland’s general manager, said. “This achievement is a testament to our incredibly dedicated staff. The passion to produce excellence can be found in all our products and every employee contributes to these achievements.”
