Fonterra Scoops Nine Cheese Awards
Source: The DairyNews
Fonterra solidified its status as New Zealand's premier cheesemaker, clinching an impressive nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies at this year's prestigious awards ceremony.
The cooperative emerged as the standout winner at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Gala Dinner held in Hamilton, garnering widespread acclaim for its exceptional cheese varieties.
Among its triumphs, Fonterra's NZMP Epicure, also known as Mainland Epicure aged cheddar, claimed the coveted title of Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial). Judges lauded its qualities, describing it as "Beautiful! An abundance of calcium lactate, intense good string mature flavor yet well balanced, and clean. Pleasurable savory tone, with fruity, sweet, and nutty alongside."
In addition to its flagship cheese, Fonterra received accolades for limited edition boutique cheese and commercial varieties. Mainland Special Reserve Chilli & Garlic Brie clinched two trophies, while Anchor Traditional Cream Cheese secured the WINTEC Te Pukenga Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese award.
Cathy Lang, master cheesemaker and principal technologist at Fonterra Brands New Zealand's Bridge Street site in Eltham, Taranaki, was honored as the country's top cheesemaker for the second time in three years. Lang's remarkable journey from veterinary science to cheesemaking underscores her blend of scientific expertise and creative flair. Since joining Fonterra in 2014, Lang has played a pivotal role in driving the development of specialty cheeses, earning numerous national and international accolades for her commitment to excellence.
The awards ceremony, which saw a total of 26 trophy winners, followed a rigorous evaluation process in March, assessing over 250 locally produced cheeses. With 187 cheeses already honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals, Fonterra's dominant performance highlights its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional dairy products of the highest quality.
Among its triumphs, Fonterra's NZMP Epicure, also known as Mainland Epicure aged cheddar, claimed the coveted title of Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial). Judges lauded its qualities, describing it as "Beautiful! An abundance of calcium lactate, intense good string mature flavor yet well balanced, and clean. Pleasurable savory tone, with fruity, sweet, and nutty alongside."
In addition to its flagship cheese, Fonterra received accolades for limited edition boutique cheese and commercial varieties. Mainland Special Reserve Chilli & Garlic Brie clinched two trophies, while Anchor Traditional Cream Cheese secured the WINTEC Te Pukenga Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese award.
Cathy Lang, master cheesemaker and principal technologist at Fonterra Brands New Zealand's Bridge Street site in Eltham, Taranaki, was honored as the country's top cheesemaker for the second time in three years. Lang's remarkable journey from veterinary science to cheesemaking underscores her blend of scientific expertise and creative flair. Since joining Fonterra in 2014, Lang has played a pivotal role in driving the development of specialty cheeses, earning numerous national and international accolades for her commitment to excellence.
The awards ceremony, which saw a total of 26 trophy winners, followed a rigorous evaluation process in March, assessing over 250 locally produced cheeses. With 187 cheeses already honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals, Fonterra's dominant performance highlights its unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional dairy products of the highest quality.
