New Zealand Champions of Cheese presented Top Cheese Creations
Source: The DairyNews
New Zealand recently celebrated its finest cheeses, with 187 exceptional varieties earning recognition in the esteemed New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards, just ahead of International Cheese Day.
Fonterra, a prominent dairy giant, dominated the awards, securing 52 accolades, including an impressive 21 for its renowned Kapiti range, which has consistently topped the charts as the most awarded cheese in New Zealand over the last five years.
Renee Milkop Kerr, Marketing and Innovation Director for Fonterra Brands New Zealand, expressed pride in the company's success, hailing it as a testament to Fonterra's leading position in the country's cheese-making landscape.
One standout nominee for the coveted 2024 Champion Cheesemaker award is Cathy Lang, a previous recipient in 2022. Lang credited her team's dedication and meticulous efforts in crafting the acclaimed Kapiti cheese range, which resonated with the discerning palates of the judges.
A distinguished panel of 30 judges, comprising industry experts ranging from cheesemakers to food technologists, meticulously evaluated 253 locally crafted cheeses under the guidance of Master Judge Jason Tarrant.
Reflecting on the awards' significance, Tarrant emphasized their role in showcasing the ingenuity, passion, and unwavering commitment of Kiwi cheesemakers over the past 21 years.
Managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA), the awards not only celebrate excellence but also serve as a valuable resource for consumers seeking guidance in their cheese selections.
Simon Lamb, Chair of NZSCA, highlighted the timing of the awards amidst concerns within the industry regarding potential competition from subsidized European cheeses following government endorsement of free trade legislation with the European Union.
Renee Milkop Kerr, Marketing and Innovation Director for Fonterra Brands New Zealand, expressed pride in the company's success, hailing it as a testament to Fonterra's leading position in the country's cheese-making landscape.
One standout nominee for the coveted 2024 Champion Cheesemaker award is Cathy Lang, a previous recipient in 2022. Lang credited her team's dedication and meticulous efforts in crafting the acclaimed Kapiti cheese range, which resonated with the discerning palates of the judges.
A distinguished panel of 30 judges, comprising industry experts ranging from cheesemakers to food technologists, meticulously evaluated 253 locally crafted cheeses under the guidance of Master Judge Jason Tarrant.
Reflecting on the awards' significance, Tarrant emphasized their role in showcasing the ingenuity, passion, and unwavering commitment of Kiwi cheesemakers over the past 21 years.
Managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA), the awards not only celebrate excellence but also serve as a valuable resource for consumers seeking guidance in their cheese selections.
Simon Lamb, Chair of NZSCA, highlighted the timing of the awards amidst concerns within the industry regarding potential competition from subsidized European cheeses following government endorsement of free trade legislation with the European Union.
