Australian-crafted mozzarella from Fonterra emerges as the preferred choice, adorning over 170 million pizzas each year.

Steve Taylor, Fonterra Australia's regional operations manager, emphasizes the widespread acclaim for Stanhope's mozzarella, not only as a staple in Australian households but also as a cherished choice in Asian markets. Perfect Italiano stands as the preeminent culinary cheese brand in Australia, gracing nearly half of the nation's households. Furthermore, it leads the market as the preferred mozzarella brand in Australian food-service and exports around 8,000 metric tonnes annually to markets like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

In celebration of International Cheese Pizza Day on September 5, Fonterra's seasoned cheesemakers shed light on the meticulous process behind Australia's beloved mozzarella. James Harris, a veteran Fonterra Quality Assurance Technician with over 50 years of experience, highlights the rigorous testing regimen undertaken by a dedicated team to ensure the highest quality cheese reaches consumers. This involves evaluating taste, aroma, flavor, and texture, with a particular emphasis on mozzarella's iconic stretch.

Shayna Street, Fonterra's Quality Manager, underscores the significance of mozzarella's stretch, which is as integral to its appeal as its taste. The Stanhope site boasts a state-of-the-art test kitchen and commercial pizza ovens to guarantee only the finest cheese exits the factory. Beyond taste, additional scrutiny is applied to mozzarella's meltability, blistering, and stretch, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of its culinary experience.

With a legacy spanning over a century, Fonterra's Stanhope operations have been a stalwart in producing quality dairy foods. The site collects milk from approximately 110 farmers in northern Victoria, contributing to Fonterra's enduring commitment to delivering excellence in dairy products.