According to LIGA.net business correspondent Andrii Zaika, an artisan Ukrainian cheese from Ivano-Frankivsk has become the most decorated in the country’s history. The semi-hard cow’s milk cheese “Syrna Torbynka,” produced by Станіславська сироварня, received the Super Gold award at the international World Cheese Awards — the competition’s highest distinction.
In addition, the product was included among the world’s top 100 cheeses in the book “One Cheese to Rule Them All” by Patrick McGuigan and Carlos Yescas.
From a Home Kitchen to Global Recognition
The founder of the dairy, Natalia Palchak, is a former music teacher. In 2015, while searching for a new professional path, she began experimenting with cheesemaking in her home kitchen. The first batches were produced in a 12-liter pot, with milk sourced directly from nearby villages.
She initially drew inspiration from Italian scamorza but adapted the technology by selecting her own starter cultures and shaping the cheese into a small “bag” form — hence the name “Syrna Torbynka”.
Within less than a year, production scaled up to a professional facility processing 120 liters of milk. Over time, capacity increased to 500 liters per day, enabling output of approximately 50 kilograms of cheese daily.
Technology and Local Identity
“Syrna Torbynka” belongs to the mozzarella-type cheese group and does not require long aging; the production cycle takes about two weeks. The dairy also produces caciotta, mozzarella, and feta.
A distinctive feature of the product is natural wood-chip smoking instead of liquid smoke, which provides a milder aroma and an attractive appearance.
Experts note that combining classical Italian cheesemaking techniques with a localized approach and a unique name has created a distinctive Ukrainian product identity.
Victory at the World Cheese Awards
The cheese was presented at the World Cheese Awards by ProCheese Academy expert Oksana Chernova. The result was a Super Gold award — the highest honor of the competition.
Judges evaluated not only flavor but also texture, appearance, and production technology. “Syrna Torbynka” was recognized for its juiciness, rounded shape, and natural smoking process.
Today, Stanislavska Syrovarnia sells its products through fairs, its own store in a shopping center in Ivano-Frankivsk, social media, and its website. The ассортимент is complemented by collaborative offerings featuring cheeses from other Ukrainian producers.
Thus, a small local dairy from Ivano-Frankivsk has become a cheese calling card for Ukraine on the global stage.
Source: biz.liga.net
