Dutch cheese expertise takes the stage at Cheese Open 2026 in Kazakhstan

Strong Dutch result

Tim Berkhout, co-owner of ’t Kaasplateau in Rhoon, finished second in the International Fromager competition. His result provides international recognition for Dutch cheese craftsmanship and shows that Dutch dairy expertise extends well beyond cheese production itself.

Cheese Open 2026 brought together cheese and dairy professionals from 20 countries, with more than 400 cheese and dairy products entered in the international competition.

One of the highlights for the Netherlands was the performance of Tim Berkhout. He took second place in the International Fromager competition, competing against professional cheese specialists from different countries.

Berkhout is co-owner of ’t Kaasplateau in Rhoon, which was named Best Cheese Specialty Store in the Netherlands 2026. His result in Aktau is therefore not only a personal achievement, but also international recognition of the knowledge and craftsmanship present in the Dutch cheese sector.

There was more Dutch success. A Dutch cheese was selected among the Top 15 out of around 200 entries in the international cheese competition.

The Netherlands was represented by three cheese professionals. Evert Schönhage, an internationally recognised cheese expert, served as head of the international jury. Dutch master cheesemaker Leon van der Arend and Tim Berkhout also contributed their expertise to the event.

Their participation highlighted different parts of the Dutch cheese sector: from cheesemaking and product knowledge to judging, presentation and bringing high-quality cheeses to consumers.

But Cheese Open was about more than winning prizes. In his speech at the event, Agricultural Counsellor Arie Veldhuizen emphasised a simple message: “Cheese unites.”

Cheese is part of food culture in many countries. It brings together producers, specialists, retailers and consumers, while creating an easy way to exchange knowledge and learn from each other's traditions and expertise.

That also applies to Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. The two countries already cooperate closely in agriculture, including dairy. Events such as Cheese Open can help broaden these contacts and create new connections between companies and professionals.

Kazakhstan has a developing dairy and cheese sector, while the Netherlands can contribute not only cheese, but also knowledge about production, quality, maturation, presentation and retail.

Perhaps it is time to bring more Dutch cheese  and Dutch cheese knowledge to Kazakhstan.