Kāpiti Cheese Triumphs at 2026 International Cheese Awards

Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue cheese has been awarded the title of Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards held in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition underlines the quality and craftsmanship of the cheese, as it was selected from over 4,500 entries representing more than 20 countries.

The accolade represents Kāpiti's strongest performance on the international stage, highlighting New Zealand's specialty cheesemaking sector. Pascal Francisque, chief executive of Lactalis New Zealand, credited the craftsmanship of the company's cheesemakers for this achievement. He emphasized that the skill, passion, and dedication of the team at Kāpiti's Bridge Street site in Eltham were crucial in securing this recognition.

In addition to the Supreme Champion title, Kāpiti also secured trophies for Champion Overseas Cheese and Best New Zealand Cheese, both awarded to their Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue. Furthermore, Kāpiti Kahurangi Creamy Blue was named Best Vegetarian Cheese. Six other Kāpiti cheeses received gold medals in their respective categories, alongside numerous silver and bronze awards.

Cathy Lang, master cheesemaker at Lactalis New Zealand, noted that the award reflects years of craftsmanship and dedication by the Eltham Bridge Street team. She remarked that "every wheel of Kikorangi represents years of experience, knowledge, and attention to detail," and that the recognition on the world stage is incredibly rewarding.

This achievement underscores New Zealand's long-standing tradition of producing outstanding dairy products and demonstrates that its cheesemakers can compete with the best in the world.