Fonterra Celebrates Major Wins At New Zealand Cheese Awards

Fonterra has once again demonstrated its prowess in the world of cheesemaking, securing a remarkable haul of 52 awards at this year's New Zealand Cheese Awards. The announcement comes just in time to celebrate International Cheese Day, highlighting Fonterra's continued excellence and innovation in the dairy industry. Among the winners, Fonterra's premium Kāpiti range stood out, claiming 21 awards, including a prestigious gold for the Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue in the Blue Cheese category. This marks the fourth victory in five years for the celebrated cheese, solidifying its status as New Zealand's most awarded cheese.

The Co-operative's success didn't stop there. Mainland, another Fonterra brand, was awarded gold for its Special Reserve Chilli and Garlic Brie, a newcomer launched late last year. NZMP, Fonterra's global dairy ingredients brand, added six gold medals to the tally, while Anchor secured two. Renée Milkop Kerr, Marketing and Innovation Director for Fonterra Brands New Zealand, expressed pride in these achievements, stating they reinforce Fonterra's leading position in New Zealand's cheesemaking sector.

Produced at Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki, the Kāpiti and Mainland specialty cheeses benefit from over a century of cheesemaking tradition and high-quality local milk. The Eltham site, along with Fonterra's Lichfield, Hautapu, Stirling, and Whareroa sites, were all recognized at the awards. Cathy Lang from the Eltham site has been nominated for the 2024 Champion Cheesemaker award, an accolade she previously won in 2022.

The competition was fierce, with more than 270 cheeses evaluated by a 30-person judging panel led by Master Judge Jason Tarrant. Now in its 21st year, the New Zealand Cheese Awards celebrate the nation's finest cheeses, showcasing the talent and dedication of New Zealand's cheesemakers.

Kāpiti continues to lead as New Zealand's most awarded cheese brand. Originating more than 35 years ago in the Lower North Island, Kāpiti has become a favorite among top chefs and cheese enthusiasts alike. The brand's success is largely attributed to Master Cheesemaker Cathy Lang and her team at the Bridge Street site in Eltham. Here, they craft award-winning cheeses like the Kāpiti Bridge Street Blue and Tomme from the new Kāpiti Artisan range.

The full list of awards includes multiple golds for Kāpiti's specialty cheeses such as Kahurangi Creamy Blue and Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, alongside Mainland's Special Reserve Chilli & Garlic Brie and NZMP's range of cheddars and cream cheeses. Silver and bronze medals were also awarded across a variety of categories, underscoring Fonterra's broad expertise and commitment to quality across its cheese portfolio.

This year's accolades not only celebrate Fonterra's exceptional cheesemaking skills but also highlight the Co-operative's ongoing commitment to producing high-quality dairy products. As Fonterra continues to excel in national and international competitions, it remains a key player in promoting New Zealand's dairy excellence on the global stage.