Kiwis are being encouraged to try a new cheese in October, to celebrate New Zealand Cheese Month.
A regular event on the country’s food calendar, New Zealand Cheese Month is an initiative organised by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, to draw attention to the value of the local cheese industry. NZ Cheese Month occurs in October because it’s ‘spring flush’ the early days of spring, with warmth and soil moisture creating lush, green grass for animals to feast on. Sheep and goat milking resumes and there is plenty of fresh cheese available for cheese lovers.
NZSCA Chair, Catherine McNamara says the country’s cheesemaking industry is constantly evolving and she’s encouraging cheese lovers to take a fresh look and try something new. “From its beginnings with the European settlers in the early 1800s, through to the present day; the art of cheesemaking has thrived in Aotearoa thanks to the environment producing some of the world’s best milk. This is reflected in the success small and large New Zealand cheese producers have enjoyed on the international stage.
“Now, more than ever, it is vitally important Kiwis support local cheesemakers to ensure their survival. On behalf of cheesemakers across the country I encourage shoppers to look out for and purchase New Zealand cheese. Supporting delicious, locally made cheese will ensure it’s here for generations to come.”
“Buying locally made cheese keeps jobs and money in our country. It’s also supporting our regions as many of the cheesemakers and the farms which support them are in rural areas. Buying New Zealand cheese reduces food miles!”
SEARCHING FOR NZ’S FAVOURITE CHEESE COMPANY
NZSCA is working with Rutherford & Meyer to find Kiwis’ favourite NZ Cheese Company. Cheese lovers are encouraged to visit www.cheeseloversnz.co.nz to vote for their favourite NZ Cheese Company. The NZ Cheese Company with the most votes at the end of NZ Cheese Month will be named Rutherford & Meyer Favourite NZ Cheese Company
Rutherford and Meyer owner Jan Meyer says being a proud NZ owned and operated business the partnership with NZ Cheese Month couldn’t have been more perfect. “Pairing our artisan range of crackers and fruit pastes with New Zealand’s best cheeses is a match made in heaven.”
Rutherford and Meyer are highlighting their number one fruit paste – Quince throughout NZ Cheese Month, because it’s the perfect accompaniment for every cheese platter. Jan Meyer says: “Quince paste pairs perfectly whether you’re enjoying creamy blue, soft brie, earthy camembert or even a nutty gouda – it matches with great NZ Cheese!
FIND NZ CHEESE ON THE CHEESELOVERS NZ WEBSITE
Wherever cheese lovers live or holiday in New Zealand, NZSCA has developed a resource to make it easy for them to find NZ Cheese.
The directory of New Zealand cheesemakers, top cheese retailers and farmers’ markets on the website www.cheeseloversnz.co.nz has been updated in time for NZ Cheese Month. Cheese lovers can search by region for cheese.
Additionally, www.cheeseloversnz.co.nz includes a page with links to special cheese offers from NZSCA cheesemaking members, meaning New Zealand’s finest cheese is only a couple of clicks away from delivery to any home in the country.
