Who will reign supreme this year, in the search for New Zealand’s best cheeses?
Master Judge Jason Tarrant guided 27 judges through an assessment of more than 240 entries for the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards in Hamilton on Sunday 2 March.
Owned and managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are in their 23rd 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.
NZSCA Chair, Simon Lamb welcomed the strong number of entries in the annual competition. “I am delighted to see strong entry numbers, with 240 entries up on 2023 – despite the tough economic times impacting cheesemakers and cheese lovers. Additionally, on behalf of the Association, I want to thank the voluntary contributions of 26 judges and a further 26 stewards who donated their Sunday to help find NZ’s best cheeses. Without their dedication to the task, the Awards wouldn’t be possible.”
The 2025 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards gold, silver and bronze medal winners will be named on Tuesday 25 March 2025 with Champions announced at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Gala Dinner in Hamilton on Thursday 1 May 2025.
Gouda luck to all the entrants!
