Awards

NZMP™ cheeses savour results at prestigious NZ awards

NZMP™ adds further wins at the NZ Champions of Cheese awards

03 May 2024

3 min

#Dairy Foods #New Zealand #Awards

NZMP™ cheeses recognised for their quality and flavour at the annual NZ Champions of Cheese Awards by taking out 2 trophies, 6 gold medals, 6 silvers, and 2 bronze.

After a difficult job of tasting, smelling and examining 250 of the country’s finest cheeses, New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2024 have been named. Judged by a mix of industry experts including cheesemakers, food technologists, cheese retailers and food writers, each cheese underwent careful scrutiny.

For the first time, Cheddar was judged in three age groups, which allowed the depth of flavour and complexity achieved by ageing or cellaring Cheddar to stand on its own.  NZMP was recognised 5 gold medals for our aged Cheddar in the Champion Bulk Cheddar section.  NZMP’s popular Epicure Cheddar went on to win two trophies at the Gala Awards, being named Champion Bulk Cheddar and the major award for the Champion of Champions Cheese (Commercial) section.

NZMP Cheese Awards NZ judge

NZMP’s Epicure Cheddar, is a distinguished aged cheddar, renowned for its robust and layered taste, matured to perfection over 36 months. This meticulous aging process creates a crumbly texture and a deep, nutty flavour.  Crafting Epicure Cheddar is a balanced blend of tradition and precision. Fonterra's cheesemakers are artisans of aging, watchfully nurturing the process under optimal conditions to ensure the iconic flavours develop with every batch produced. Epicure Cheddar has been recognised with numerous awards to date, a testament to Fonterra's unwavering dedication to excellence.  Epicure Cheddar is the epitome of premium cheese.

Dan Packwood, Process Project Manager, Lichfield Cheese says, “This award recognises the entire team involved in the end-to-end process from milk reception to packing and distribution at Fonterra’s Lichfield Plant.”

By showcasing the extraordinary diversity and quality of New Zealand cheeses, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards grow awareness and appreciation for these locally produced products.

In 2024, we’re celebrating 14 Cheese and Cream Cheese products named as medal winners which is a great testament for the superior quality, attention to detail and flavour the Fonterra team put into every block of cheese on such a large scale.

“These awards not only affirm the superior quality of our cheese but also reinforce New Zealand's stature as a stronghold of exceptional dairy products.  In the contemporary cheese landscape, Epicure Cheddar continues to be a sought-after selection for those desiring a mature and unique flavour experience.”

- Andrew Huxford, Senior Research Technologist, Fonterra Research & Development Centre.

 

Trophy Winners & Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards

 

NZMP Epicure;

Trophy: Champion Bulk Cheddar

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Epicure;

Trophy: Champion of Champions Cheese (Commercial)

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Epicure;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Beautiful! An abundance of calcium lactate, intense good string, mature flavour yet well balanced and clean. Pleasurable savoury tone, with fruity, sweet and nutty alongside.

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Tasty Cheddar;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Balanced, clean, great body, very typically aged Cheddar, very nice cheese!

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Organic Cheddar;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Savoury, clean flavour, and very good balance of flavours, deep brothy notes, fruity and clean finish on the palate.

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Special Reserve Cheddar;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Very clean and balanced, well rounded and true to class. Aged Cheddar sharpness coming through nicely.

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Vintage Cheddar;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Clean and balanced, very good example of an aged Cheddar, well-liked by the judges.

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

NZMP Traditional Cream Cheese;

Gold Award Winner

Judges’ tasting notes:

Nice fat coming through, soft smooth texture, buttery, creamy, lovely tang.

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Mild Cheddar;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Edam;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Brine Salt Gouda;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP High Solids Cream Cheese;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Parmesan;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Tasty Lite;

Silver Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Colby;

Bronze Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

 

NZMP Mozzarella;

Bronze Award Winner

Organic Cheddar

Gold award winner
Manufactured using fresh organic milk that is independently certified to internationally accepted standards.
 
Made in Hautapu

Egmont

Gold award winner
A young, semi-hard cheese with a unique, slightly sweet flavour and golden melt. A versatile cheese that blends well and lends itself to any application.
 
Made in Hautapu

   .

Explore our diverse range of world-class cheeses, appreciated for their uniformity, consistency, performance and flavour.

Each year, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate our heritage and global leadership in cheesemaking with our unique characteristics and experience that spans more than 100 years. Across our range, we have the cheese to fit any application and suit a variety of tastes.

Fonterra has its own culture house with a vast range of high-quality cultures. These cultures are used in all NZMP™ cheeses made in New Zealand. Our unique performance system underpins our consistently exceptional quality. 

As well as our impressive cheeses, our rich dairy history, focus on food safety, and passion for innovation enables us to continuously supply high-quality butters and dairy fat ingredients that perform in a wide range of applications.

To find out how you can create world-class products using our award-winning cheeses, talk to your NZMP™ Account Manager today.

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