Gruyère AOP from Milka Käse represents the alpine version of the traditional Swiss Gruyère, produced during the summer grazing season on high mountain pastures. The cheese is made from raw cow’s milk obtained from cows that graze on alpine meadows rich in herbs and wild grasses, which significantly influence the character of the milk and the final flavor of the cheese.
Production takes place in small alpine chalets using traditional cheesemaking methods and copper vats, reflecting long-established mountain dairy practices. After production, the cheese wheels are selected and matured by Milka Käse in carefully controlled cellars, where they are regularly turned and monitored during the aging process.
The alpine origin gives the cheese a particularly expressive aromatic profile, often characterized by complex herbal, nutty, and slightly fruity notes. Its texture is dense and firm, typical of Gruyère, while the flavor tends to be more intense and layered compared to cheeses produced in the valleys.
Because it is made only during the alpine summer season, production volumes are limited and closely tied to traditional mountain farming cycles. Gruyère AOP highlights the influence of alpine terroir and seasonal milk on the final character of the cheese, combining traditional production with careful maturation and selection.
Producer
Milka Käse is a Swiss company specializing in the maturation, selection, and international trade of traditional Swiss cheeses. The company is based in Burgdorf in the canton of Bern and has its roots in the early 20th century, when it began operating as a cheese trading and exporting business focused primarily on Emmentaler.
Over time, Milka Käse developed strong expertise in cheese affinage and quality selection, working closely with numerous regional dairies and alpine cheesemakers across Switzerland. The company purchases cheese wheels produced in village dairies and alpine farms and then matures them in specialized cellars where temperature, humidity, and handling are carefully controlled.
Through this process, the cheeses develop their characteristic texture and complex flavor profiles before being prepared for distribution. Milka Käse handles well-known Swiss varieties such as Emmentaler AOP, Le Gruyère AOP, raclette cheeses, and other regional specialties.
In addition to maturation and trading, the company is also active in branding and export, supplying cheeses to markets across Europe and other international destinations. One of its notable brands is Swisscru, which focuses on premium selections of traditional Swiss cheeses.
Through its work in selection, aging, and global distribution, Milka Käse plays an important role in connecting small Swiss cheesemakers with international markets while maintaining the authenticity and quality standards of Swiss cheese production.