Latest news with #NZChampionsofCheeseAwards
1News
06-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Five Big Things That Happened Today: Friday, May 2
Sir Bob Jones dies, wild weather continues across the country, and New Zealand's best cheese named. New Zealand businessman and former political party leader Sir Bob Jones has died. He was 85. Sir Bob earned his wealth through property investments, holding a $2 billion portfolio of commercial buildings in Auckland, Wellington and Glasgow. In 1983, Sir Bob launched the short-lived New Zealand Party in an attempt to oust then-Prime Minister Robert Muldoon from Parliament. In 1985, Sir Bob was involved in one of New Zealand's most famous television moments, when journalist Rod Vaughan emerged from the bush with a bloody nose following a confrontation between the two on the banks of the Tongariro River. Read More Large parts of the country were again hammered by wild weather today, as torrential rain and gale-force winds set in. Flooding from heavy rain has led to states of emergency being declared in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, and Selwyn District. Around 50 properties were impacted by flooding in the Selwyn District. Read More President Donald Trump said he's nominating his national security adviser Mike Waltz to serve as United Nations ambassador in a major shake-up of his national security team. Trump announced the moves shortly after news broke that Waltz was leaving the administration. Weeks ago, it was revealed that he had added a journalist to a Signal chat being used to discuss military plans. Read More One of the country's largest banks has been ordered to pay a penalty of $3.25 million for misleading and overcharging customers. Westpac admitted the breaches in a case brought against it by the Financial Markets Authority at the Auckland High Court in December last year. The historical breaches resulted in $6.35 million of overcharging and impacted more than 24,500 customers Read More Changes to the food and drink policy at Nelson's Trafalgar Centre could end the city's basketball club, its manager has warned. Nelson City Council last year gave its contractor for the Trafalgar Centre – CLM (Community Leisure Management) – exclusive food and beverage rights for events at the stadium. But revenue from food and beverage sales from 11 home games each season account for about 14% of the NBS Nelson Giants' income. Read More A sheep milk cheddar has taken out the top prize at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards this year. "Complex, waxy, balanced with a beautiful ivory paste. Delicious. Favourite of the day," judges said about the about the Whitestone Cheese winner. The sheep milk cheddar also bagged two other awards - best original cheese and best-in-class. Read More
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Whitestone's Monte Cristo wins top award
Celebrating with the Champion of Champions trophy are (from left) Annabel Berry, Christine Lovell, Maria Davey, Simon Berry and a Woolworths representative, Eve Dhar. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED Whitestone Cheese cleaned up at the NZ Champions of Cheese awards, paying tribute to one half of the instigators of the business. Monte Cristo was named the champion of champions and cheesemaker Jonathan Emerson named champion cheesemaker at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards in Hamilton. The business was started in 1987 by Bob and Sue Berry. Mrs Berry died last month. Her drive and passion for the business was remembered when the wins came. "We've only ever won the supreme champion once before with Windsor Blue. "And for Monte Cristo to go through, it's nice timing, especially with Mum [Sue] passing on last month," Whitestone Cheese managing director Simon Berry said. Whitestone Cheese founder Sue Berry. "When we created Monte Cristo, it was named after our family farm and we're dedicating it to her really. "Here we are recognised as New Zealand's leading producer and getting to this point with all the hard work she's put in, and her vision and her taste". Last month, the business secured an impressive 18 medals, including six highly coveted gold medals at the cheese awards. All the medal winners were then in contention for trophies, which were awarded at a ceremony on Thursday night. Whitestone was awarded five trophies, including the top award, Woolworths Champion of Champions. Monte Cristo also received trophies for Champion Original Cheese and Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese. Mr Berry said they were "thrilled" with the wins and his father Bob was "ecstatic". Head cheesemaker For Jonathan Emerson, who has been at Whitestone for 14 years, the Champion Cheesemaker title win was "a testament to his focus on quality and technique and also managing all those complex recipes under one roof," Mr Berry said. Whitestone's Monte Cristo had been a "pioneering" sheepmilk recipe cheese. It had taken a long time to perfect. "It has won gold medals before, but to go through to win the grand champion just shows the quality of it," Mr Berry said. Its development came from his parents experimenting with sheep milk suppliers and working with farmers in Southland and Dr Jock Allison at Invermay. "He pioneered it by bringing in the first East Friesian Cross to create a cheese with, so Monte Cristo was born out of that," Mr Berry said. Judges praised Monte Cristo saying it was "the cream of the crop".
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Independent Cheesemakers Reign Supreme – Trophy Winners Named In NZ Champions Of Cheese Awards 2025
Press Release – NZ Specialist Cheesemakers Assn Established by fourth-generation Otago farmers Bob and Sue Berry in the farming downturn of 1987 to diversify their business – and today managed by their son Simon the company employs more than 80 staff, with the majority in Oamaru at their factory … Independent cheesemakers were the heroes of this year's NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, with Whitestone Cheese Co, Barrys Bay and Anabelle Exquisite Diary taking out the top three trophies. Eighteen of the Award's 24 trophies were awarded to independent producers. Family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese Co was the big winner at the country's annual Awards, taking out five trophies, including the top award, Woolworths Champion of Champions for Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, which also receivedtrophies for; Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese and Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese. Judges praised sheep milk cheddar, Monte Cristo saying; 'Complex, waxy, balanced with a beautiful ivory paste. Delicious. Favourite of the day!' Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie was named FOSS Champion New Cheese and Whitestone Cheese Co cheesemaker, Jonathan Emerson was MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker. Established by fourth-generation Otago farmers Bob and Sue Berry in the farming downturn of 1987 to diversify their business – and today managed by their son Simon – the company employs more than 80 staff, with the majority in Oamaru at their factory and the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli. FSQSNZ Champion of Champions Mid-Sized, Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, was pronounced 'delightful' by the judges who also made these tasting notes; 'Lovely chewy fudgy texture. Pronounced fruit, sweet, umami flavours. Excellent.' The Champion of Champions Mid-Sized was one of four trophies awarded to Barrys Bay. They also won: AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style forBarrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese for Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, and Sabato Chefs' Choice with Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Parmesan. Akaroa's Barrys Bay Cheese was founded in 1895, as one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives around Banks Peninsula. Over time, these small dairy businesses closed, leaving Barrys Bay Cheese. In the early 1950s a new Barrys Bay factory was built – which is used today. Purchased by Daniel and Amy Shields in 2017, in 2020 Barry's Bay Cheese celebrated 125 years of cheesemaking. It prides itself on a commitment to traditional cheesemaking, producing handcrafted traditional cheese using fresh, Banks Peninsula milk. Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions Boutique, Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic received the following feedback from the judging panel; 'Lovely fresh cheese, love the fresh garlic. Cheese is smooth with a great balance of flavours and a good texture. ' Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic was also awarded Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese. Anabelle Exquisite Dairy is a boutique producer of French-influenced fresh cheese made with sheep, goat and cow milk. Founder Anabelle David, a French-born Kiwi who moved to Aotearoa in 2007, has a Masters in Food Technology and a passion for fine cheese, which she combines in the creation of high-quality dairy products. Anabelle uses natural fermentation with live bacteria, developing cheeses suitable for various dishes, admired by cheese lovers and top chefs. Another family-owned business to receive multiple accolades was Meyer Cheese from Waikato, which received five trophies. They were: IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese with Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, their assistant cheesemaker Jarvis Whyte was named Innovative Packaging Aspiring Cheesemaker and the company was named Woolworths Sustainability Champion. Woolworths Sustainability Champion is assessed by a panel including Woolworths New Zealand, Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Tami Schiefelbein. This year, the Award recognised a cheese producer embedding environmental stewardship into business practice. Bestowing the Award, the judges' note to Meyer Cheese said; 'The judging panel was impressed by your holistic, Pasture to Plate approach, which demonstrates a commitment to sustainability at every stage of production. Your long-standing legacy of environmental consciousness, dating back to the company's founding, is a testament to your genuine dedication…' Other independent cheesemakers to be named NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Champions 2025 were: Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goat Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese New Zealand's largest cheesemaker Fonterra also was recognised with the following four trophies: Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese The Trophy announcement following 199 medals were bestowed upon the country's finest cheeses after evaluation of over 240 locally produced cheeses. The awards, managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, highlighted exceptional quality and innovation in the local cheese industry. Assessment was conducted at Hamilton's WINTEC in early March with Master Judge Jason Tarrant guiding thirty judges, supported by 20 stewards, through an evaluation of 240 NZ-made cheeses. Jason Tarrant said 'this year the superb quality of cheeses had the judges working overtime to separate the best of the best and confirm the Champions. It's great to see such fantastic kiwi produce being created and all trophy winners are deserving of their status among the finest NZ cheese.' Kiwi cheese lovers will find trophy winners and NZ Champions of Cheese Awards medal winners at their local supermarkets and specialty retailers. Many local cheesemakers also sell these award-winning cheeses at their store or café, local farmers market or online. Consumers will recognise award-winning cheese because it will sport NZ Champions of Cheese trophy, gold, silver, and bronze medals – it's a consumer guarantee cheese is made in NZ, and it has been assessed by experts who affirm it is of the highest quality. Buying NZ cheese helps maintain jobs and income for Aotearoa businesses. NZSCA Chair, Simon Lamb thanked the Awards sponsors and all the volunteer judges and stewards whose expertise made the awards possible. Without the voluntary contributions of judges and stewards who donate their time to help find NZ's best cheeses and without whom the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards wouldn't be possible.' Owned and managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are in their 22nd year of recognising Aotearoa's finest cheeses and shining a light on the best examples to guide consumers on purchase decisions with trophies and medals awarded to outstanding NZ Cheese. NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025 Champions at the are listed on NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Trophies Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial) Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion of Champions (Mid-Sized) Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions (Boutique) Jonathan Emerson, Whitestone Cheese Co, MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie, FOSS Champion New Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Puhoi Valley Cheese, Cow's Milk Feta, Cheeselinks Champion Greek-Style or Danish-Style Cheese Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Galactic Gold, Thermaflo Champion Washed Rind Cheese Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese Open Country, Ched M (Matured Cheddar), Sealed Air Champion Bulk Cheddar Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goats Milk Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Special Awards are:
Otago Daily Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Whitestone creams it at NZ cheese awards
Whitestone Cheese head cheesemaker Jonathan Emerson and managing director Simon Berry at their Oamaru factory. PHOTO: JULES CHIN A sheep milk cheddar made in Oamaru has been named New Zealand's best cheese. Whitestone Cheese's Monte Cristo was the champion of champions and cheesemaker Jonathon Emerson named champion cheesemaker at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards in Hamilton last night. Last month, the Oamaru cheese business, founded by Bob and Sue Berry in 1987, secured an impressive 18 medals, including six highly coveted gold medals at the cheese awards. All the medal winners were then in contention for trophies, which were awarded last night. Whitestone was awarded five trophies, including the top award. Monte Cristo also received trophies for champion original cheese and best-in-class sheep milk cheese. Managing director Simon Berry said they were "thrilled" and his father Bob "ecstatic". Whitestone Cheese Co's sheep milk cheddar, Monte Cristo. Photo credit: Supplied Head cheesemaker Jonathan Emerson, who has been at Whitestone for 14 years, received the champion cheesemaker title which was "a testament to his focus on quality and technique and also managing all those complex recipes under one roof," Mr Berry said. Whitestone's Monte Cristo had been a "pioneering" sheep milk recipe cheese. It had taken a long time to perfect from the 1990s on. "It has won gold medals before, but to go through to win the grand champion just shows the quality of it." Its development came from his parents experimenting with sheep milk supply and working with farmers in Southland and Dr Jock Allison at Invermay. "He pioneered it by bringing in the first East Friesian Cross to create a cheese with, so Monte Cristo was born out of that," Mr Berry said. Judges praised Monte Cristo saying it was "the cream of the crop".
Scoop
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Independent Cheesemakers Reign Supreme - Trophy Winners Named In NZ Champions Of Cheese Awards 2025
Independent cheesemakers were the heroes of this year's NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, with Whitestone Cheese Co, Barrys Bay and Anabelle Exquisite Diary taking out the top three trophies. Eighteen of the Award's 24 trophies were awarded to independent producers. Family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese Co was the big winner at the country's annual Awards, taking out five trophies, including the top award, Woolworths Champion of Champions for Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, which also receivedtrophies for; Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese and Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese. Judges praised sheep milk cheddar, Monte Cristo saying; 'Complex, waxy, balanced with a beautiful ivory paste. Delicious. Favourite of the day!' Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie was named FOSS Champion New Cheese and Whitestone Cheese Co cheesemaker, Jonathan Emerson was MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker. Established by fourth-generation Otago farmers Bob and Sue Berry in the farming downturn of 1987 to diversify their business - and today managed by their son Simon – the company employs more than 80 staff, with the majority in Oamaru at their factory and the Whitestone Cheese Diner & Deli. FSQSNZ Champion of Champions Mid-Sized, Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, was pronounced 'delightful' by the judges who also made these tasting notes; 'Lovely chewy fudgy texture. Pronounced fruit, sweet, umami flavours. Excellent.' The Champion of Champions Mid-Sized was one of four trophies awarded to Barrys Bay. They also won: AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style forBarrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese for Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, and Sabato Chefs' Choice with Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Parmesan. Akaroa's Barrys Bay Cheese was founded in 1895, as one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives around Banks Peninsula. Over time, these small dairy businesses closed, leaving Barrys Bay Cheese. In the early 1950s a new Barrys Bay factory was built - which is used today. Purchased by Daniel and Amy Shields in 2017, in 2020 Barry's Bay Cheese celebrated 125 years of cheesemaking. It prides itself on a commitment to traditional cheesemaking, producing handcrafted traditional cheese using fresh, Banks Peninsula milk. Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions Boutique, Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic received the following feedback from the judging panel; 'Lovely fresh cheese, love the fresh garlic. Cheese is smooth with a great balance of flavours and a good texture. ' Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic was also awarded Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese. Anabelle Exquisite Dairy is a boutique producer of French-influenced fresh cheese made with sheep, goat and cow milk. Founder Anabelle David, a French-born Kiwi who moved to Aotearoa in 2007, has a Masters in Food Technology and a passion for fine cheese, which she combines in the creation of high-quality dairy products. Anabelle uses natural fermentation with live bacteria, developing cheeses suitable for various dishes, admired by cheese lovers and top chefs. Another family-owned business to receive multiple accolades was Meyer Cheese from Waikato, which received five trophies. They were: IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese with Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese for Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, their assistant cheesemaker Jarvis Whyte was named Innovative Packaging Aspiring Cheesemaker and the company was named Woolworths Sustainability Champion. Woolworths Sustainability Champion is assessed by a panel including Woolworths New Zealand, Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Tami Schiefelbein. This year, the Award recognised a cheese producer embedding environmental stewardship into business practice. Bestowing the Award, the judges' note to Meyer Cheese said; 'The judging panel was impressed by your holistic, Pasture to Plate approach, which demonstrates a commitment to sustainability at every stage of production. Your long-standing legacy of environmental consciousness, dating back to the company's founding, is a testament to your genuine dedication…' Other independent cheesemakers to be named NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Champions 2025 were: Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goat Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese New Zealand's largest cheesemaker Fonterra also was recognised with the following four trophies: Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese The Trophy announcement following 199 medals were bestowed upon the country's finest cheeses after evaluation of over 240 locally produced cheeses. The awards, managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, highlighted exceptional quality and innovation in the local cheese industry. Assessment was conducted at Hamilton's WINTEC in early March with Master Judge Jason Tarrant guiding thirty judges, supported by 20 stewards, through an evaluation of 240 NZ-made cheeses. Jason Tarrant said 'this year the superb quality of cheeses had the judges working overtime to separate the best of the best and confirm the Champions. It's great to see such fantastic kiwi produce being created and all trophy winners are deserving of their status among the finest NZ cheese.' Kiwi cheese lovers will find trophy winners and NZ Champions of Cheese Awards medal winners at their local supermarkets and specialty retailers. Many local cheesemakers also sell these award-winning cheeses at their store or café, local farmers market or online. Consumers will recognise award-winning cheese because it will sport NZ Champions of Cheese trophy, gold, silver, and bronze medals – it's a consumer guarantee cheese is made in NZ, and it has been assessed by experts who affirm it is of the highest quality. Buying NZ cheese helps maintain jobs and income for Aotearoa businesses. NZSCA Chair, Simon Lamb thanked the Awards sponsors and all the volunteer judges and stewards whose expertise made the awards possible. Without the voluntary contributions of judges and stewards who donate their time to help find NZ's best cheeses and without whom the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards wouldn't be possible.' Owned and managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are in their 22nd year of recognising Aotearoa's finest cheeses and shining a light on the best examples to guide consumers on purchase decisions with trophies and medals awarded to outstanding NZ Cheese. NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025 Champions at the are listed on NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Trophies Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial) Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, FSQSNZ Champion of Champions (Mid-Sized) Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Puhoi Valley Champion of Champions (Boutique) Jonathan Emerson, Whitestone Cheese Co, MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue, ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie, FOSS Champion New Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese Puhoi Valley Cheese, Cow's Milk Feta, Cheeselinks Champion Greek-Style or Danish-Style Cheese Zany Zeus, Italian Style Ricotta, dish Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese Fonterra Co-Operative Group, NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese, WINTEC Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Aged Gouda, AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Maasdam, IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese Meyer Cheese, Smoked Gouda, IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Galactic Gold, Thermaflo Champion Washed Rind Cheese Meyer Cheese, Fenugreek, FSQSNZ Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese Anabelle Exquisite Dairy, Cremeux Herb & Garlic, Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese Barrys Bay Traditional Cheese, Canterbury Red, Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese Open Country, Ched M (Matured Cheddar), Sealed Air Champion Bulk Cheddar Cheese Belle Chevre Creamery, Marinated Goat Cheese, OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goats Milk Cheese Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese Over the Moon Dairy, Creamy Blue, Hill Labs Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese Fonterra Brands New Zealand, Kāpiti Pakiri Blackcurrant Cheddar, Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Special Awards are:
