Trading card of a comedic, grotesque cheesemaker with a cheese wedge head, using a drill to make cheese holes. Bright, exaggerated colors with a satirical tone.

Hole-y Hank

Swiss Cheesemakers Revamp Emmental Holes Artificially

Published April 4, 2026

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Swiss Emmental cheese gets an artificial twist as cheesemakers resort to drills to ensure the iconic holes remain part of the famous cheese. The innovation aims to maintain Switzerland's emblematic cheese appearance.

The Real Story

Swiss cheesemakers in the Emmental region have been granted permission to use artificial means, specifically drilling, to create the traditional holes in Emmental cheese. Due to changes in cheese production and demand, these iconic holes were becoming less prominent, which motivated the government to allow this practice to preserve the cheese's signature look. The method ensures the famous Swiss cheese maintains its visual identity, crucial for its marketing and appeal worldwide.

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