New Zealand cheese takes global stage

This month, NZMP™ cheese and dairy earned global recognition at the prestigious International Cheese and Dairy Awards (ICDA), proudly standing among the world’s finest. As the largest global platform celebrating excellence in cheese and dairy, the ICDA attracts over 5,500 entries annually. Earning success here places NZMP™ ingredients firmly among the industry’s elite.

Entries were judged by a panel of over 250 experts, including master cheesemakers, cheese specialists, leading retail buyers, and acclaimed food writers. More than just a competition, the ICDA offers producers the chance to benchmark, gain recognition, and connect with the wider dairy community. This year’s results were a proud moment for New Zealand, with multiple local producers earning top honours.

NZMP™ Traditional Cream Cheese, awarded gold for its texture, smooth flavour release, also claimed the coveted Champion of Champion trophy award in the “Fresh Unripened Cheese” category.

“The New Zealand cheese industry is really excelling on the world stage. Seeing other New Zealand artisans winning medals and trophies alongside NZMP is a testament to our rich heritage as innovators in dairy.”

Sharyn Barberel, Head of Category & Innovation – Dairy Foods & Foodservice, Fonterra & Board Member NZ Specialist Cheesemakers Association.

With UK trade restrictions on New Zealand dairy products lifted in recent years, our participation and success at the ICDA provide a valuable platform to promote our ingredients in a newly accessible UK market. “Our team has worked hard to refine our quality and align our Cheddars with UK preferences, and we’re excited to showcase the results of our innovation and dedication,” says Andrew Huxford, Cheese Technical Business Solutions, Research & Development, Fonterra.

New Zealand dairy exports to the UK had been severely restricted by trade barriers established after the UK joined the European Economic Community in the 1970s. The recent New Zealand–UK Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in May 2023, lifted these barriers and enabled the return of significant dairy exports to the UK market.¹

New Zealand dairy has a rich history with the UK, once our largest export market and home to generations of loyal butter fans. Since the agreement came into effect, we’ve rebuilt historic relationships and opened new market opportunities. The response from British buyers and consumers has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Fonterra’s pasture-raised, grass-fed New Zealand dairy is finding new fans, with our NZMP ingredients now being requested by name.”

Alex Hume, Country Manager - UK, Fonterra.

NZMP’s continued success at the ICDA reflects the dedication and expertise of our New Zealand farmers and manufacturing teams. Consistently winning medals at the world’s premier dairy awards strengthens our reputation as a leading supplier of premium grass-fed dairy.

We’re delighted to be awarded with 3 medals acknowledging the quality of our salted, unsalted and lactic butters alongside European butters.  Our premium NZMP butters offer a rich, creamy flavour, coming from the milk of New Zealand grass-fed cows – soaking up sunlight and fresh air.  Its natural golden colour is due to the beta-carotene present in the grass they eat.*

“Our New Zealand butter range consistently provides premium flavour and functionality. We are honoured to be recognised at these prestigious awards, where our high-performance dairy ingredients demonstrate our distinctive New Zealand qualities."

Louise Paulsen, Technical Engagement Manager – Dairy Foods, Fonterra.

Our Cheddars continue to excel, recognized for their well-balanced cheddar flavours and smooth texture. With Tasty Lite emerging as Best in Class for the “best cheese on toast,” it is an excellent choice for your next grilled cheese application.

Celebrate with us as we proudly bring home an impressive haul of 3 Gold, 5 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals!
 

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