FrieslandCampina: A world leader in cheese innovation and tradition

USA Today

13-02-2025

Grace Butler
Contributor
FrieslandCampina is one of the world's largest dairy cooperatives and has earned a reputation for excellence by providing a wide range of high-quality cheeses. The company offers several cheese brands, such as A Dutch Masterpiece,Gayo Azul,Royal Hollandia, and Parrano, all of which reflect a long-standing understanding of cheesemaking and consumer needs.
'In this regard, our approach is to blend the centuries' old Dutch cheesemaking tradition with the current innovation and trends. This guarantees that any product we provide embodies our history but also addresses the needs of the present consumer,' comments Josh Rosen, Brand Manager at FrieslandCampina Consumer Dairy.
A Dutch Masterpiece: A work of art in the shape of cheese
What do cheese and famous painters have in common? A Dutch Masterpiece! This is a series of cheeses like you've never seen before. It's by the Dutch Golden Age painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals and uses traditional methods in its production for the best quality. Without a doubt, this is the most Dutch cheese you'll find. Not only because of its inspiration from famous Dutch painters, but because this cheese is sourced from North Holland.
'The PDO certification is proof of the authenticity and the quality of our Rembrandt cheese. It helps the consumer to know that this 12-month-aged Gouda is made from milk that is sourced from North Holland and is made following the traditional Dutch cheesemaking techniques,' Rosen explains. 'It has a bold flavor, and the texture is quite smooth, making it a good choice for cheese connoisseurs who appreciate the traditional as well as the innovative.'
A Dutch Masterpiece is also perfect for gifting to your loved ones, or even a boss you want to impress. Plus, who doesn't love pairing wines, fruits, and charcuterie with a good wine? FrieslandCampina has done an excellent job of integrating art into these aged cheeses to achieve an unforgettable result.
Gayo Azul: A Fusion of Cultures
Gayo Azul is a cheese that you can easily integrate into both Dutch and Hispanic dishes. Have you ever tried such a versatile cheese? And of course, you can use it in other types of dishes as well. Gayo Azul also produces such popular products as Cotija, Dutch Edam, and Queso Para Freir.
'As Gayo Azul, we embrace the best of both the Dutch and the Hispanic traditions of cheesemaking to produce products that are genuine and useful,' says Rosen. 'From Queso Fresco for tacos to Dutch Edam for a cheese platter, we offer the products that will find a place with most people.'
The versatility of this cheese is its greatest attraction. The brand has focused on creating a product that is ideal for different types of cuisine. So, if you like to improvise in the kitchen and create quality dishes, this cheese is for you. The products that Gayo Azul offers go well with traditional dishes as well as new style meals.
Royal Hollandia: Enhancing the Specialty Cheese
Royal Hollandia is FrieslandCampina's upscale cheese brand that only sells imported Dutch cheeses. The brand's products start from the Mild Gouda and end with the Mediterranean Herb Gouda to cater to the taste of every consumer.
'Royal Hollandia is always on the lookout for the next big thing in terms of flavors and tends to push the envelope,' Rosen explains. 'Our Limited Flavors Collection includes black garlic gouda, very berry goat cheese, and Mediterranean herb gouda, all made with the best ingredients to help you be the chef at home and create delicious recipes for cheese lovers and home chefs.'
The bulk wheels, retail wedges, and grab-and-go snacks of Royal Hollandia are designed for convenience and quality. 'We have been able to concentrate on the quality of the products that both retailers and consumers require by focusing on our bulk and wedge formats,' adds Rosen.
From a cheeseboard decoration to a key component of various dishes, Royal Hollandia offers only the best for all occasions.
Parrano: The Best of Both Worlds in Taste and Versatility
Parrano is a new brand for FrieslandCampina, which has the taste of an aged Parmesan cheese combined with the flexibility of a Gouda cheese. This semi-firm cheese has a mild and nutty flavor with some salt and sweet taste. Its surface is smooth, and the cheese has a golden color that is easy to shred, slice, and melt.
'Parrano is perfect for entertaining, cooking, and even snacking,' Rosen says. 'The taste is suitable for many kinds of food, especially Italian, and it can be used in almost every meal, from pasta to cheese boards.'
For enhancing the taste of an Italian inspired meal or for adding a touch of class to a snacking platter, Parrano is the perfect example of FrieslandCampina's commitment to providing high quality cheese choices.
Farmer Dedication and Sustainability
FrieslandCampina is one of the world's largest dairy cooperatives, and it is owned by about 17,000 dairy farmers in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The company's commitment to sustainability and quality starts in the farm and goes up to the production line.
'Our farmers are the lifeblood of FrieslandCampina,' Rosen emphasizes. 'It is their commitment to sustainable farming and the production of quality milk that makes our cheeses the best in the world and sought after all over the globe.'
From environmental stewardship to neighborhood development, FrieslandCampina's farmers play a significant role in sustaining the company's reputation for quality.
A Tradition of Innovation
FrieslandCampina is a leading dairy company in the industry through its long-standing cheesemaking tradition and the understanding of the consumer. The company has a wide range of products to choose from, ranging from traditional Dutch cheeses to speciality cheeses.
'Every product that we produce is a result of our history and our capacity to adapt to the present consumer needs and trends,' concludes Rosen. FrieslandCampina's tradition and innovation make it one of the leading companies in the cheese industry.