Eirný Sigurðardóttir
Cheese activist & enthusiast, Iceland
Since the first gathering in 2012, Cheese Berlin has evolved into one of the international artisan cheese community’s most important hubs. The setting: Markthalle Neun, a historic covered market in Kreuzberg where food craft, culture, and community meet—right in the heart of Berlin.
Every year, cheesemakers, mongers, affineurs, distributors, and cheese lovers from around the world gather to taste, discuss, buy, and celebrate. Exhibitors for the day-long Sunday event are carefully curated, and the market is spiced up by a rich program of tastings, talks, and an exhibition.
A space for conversation, Cheese Berlin connects those who care about real cheese—emphasising the landscapes, animals, and people behind it.
Cheese Berlin is not just about tasting and shopping – it's a place to meet people who live and breathe cheese. In addition to the exhibitors, there are many experts on the move to share their knowledge and stories, either on stage or in the midst of the market bustle. If you encounter one of these cheese heads, just strike up a conversation!
Of course, Cheese Berlin is not just about cheese. The permanent traders at Markthalle Neun are adding cakes, bread, pizza, pasta and more to the range! Who is open?
Since 2017, Cheese Berlin has been presenting an award: the Fenster zum Hof (translates to window to the farm). With this award, we honour a producer that comes particularly close to the ideal. A dairy that demonstrates how and that it is possible to
use resources sustainably,
work with natural conditions instead of against them,
respect animals as partners,
not exploit personal resources or those of employees,
achieve long-term financial stability.
Since 2023, we have been putting together the ‘ Exponat: Käse’ exhibition and inviting visitors to take a closer look at cheese. The focus is on artisan cheeses and their makers, who embody the diversity and depth of this traditional craft.
The exhibits are illuminated under changing themes – this year: textures. Informative displays, interactive elements and tastings at the end of the market turn the exhibition into a dynamic experience that promotes appreciation for the world of cheese.
Ursula Heinzelmann has been with us for over ten years as curator of Cheese Berlin. She has acquired her knowledge through self-study, travelling and the conscious examination of artisan traditions. With the help of a wide international network, she lends Cheese Berlin a depth of content. Heinzelmann attaches particular importance to giving people, animals and the hard work behind the products the respect they deserve.
Carina Reckers is the voice and eye of Markthalle Neun. She's in charge of communications, public relations, and shapes the content of the market. Her studies in gastronomic sciences and her work as an international cheese judge have sharpened her eye for food and agriculture. In addition, a wealth of experience from cheese dairies all over Europe and a certain affinity for stables and herding flow into the organisation of Cheese Berlin.
As a former self-employed restaurateur, Olivier Witzkewitz brings experience, perseverance, sensitivity and a passion for really good food. As event manager, he ensures smooth processes, has timing and structures under control and thus enables the actual realisation of curatorial visions.
Together, they curate, organise and design Cheese Berlin with one goal in mind: to put the spotlight on artisan cheesemakers.
Cheese Berlin is made possible by our partners and many helping hands and minds. It is thanks to your support that this annual platform for artisan cheese can be realised. We thank you for your commitment and unwavering love of cheese.