New Zealand: Hard Cheese Market Doesn’t Deter Whitestone

Oamaru cheese-maker rises above flood of imports to rack up the medals. Despite encountering high regulatory costs and increased competition from European imports, Whitestone Cheese from Oamaru has emerged victorious at the annual Champions of Cheese awards. Renowned for its quality and innovation, the company secured gold medals in several categories, including original, blue, new, soft, and Greek-style cheeses.

Whitestone's Success Story Whitestone’s Pukaki Blue Brie won gold in the new cheese category, marking a significant achievement for the company. Simon Berry, the managing director, expressed particular pride in the win, highlighting it as a testament to the company's commitment to quality and innovation.

In a market dominated by inexpensive, subsidized European cheeses, Whitestone has positioned itself as a high-quality, consistent producer. However, Berry highlighted the challenges of exporting, citing high compliance costs, particularly with annual auditing fees escalating to $30,000.

Impact of Imports Imports now account for about 50% of the market, a significant increase that puts pressure on local producers. Chief judge Jason Tarrant noted a 10% increase in total entries for this year's cheese awards, emphasizing the growing interest and competition within the industry.

As the specialty cheese sector faces uncertainties, including potential changes in Fonterra’s business strategies, Berry remains hopeful for stability within the industry. While the post-Covid landscape poses challenges, the commitment of companies like Whitestone to maintain quality standards ensures a promising future.

Photo: farmersweekly.co.nz