Entry is open for the prestigious New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards under the guidance of Master Judge Jason Tarrant, who celebrates five years leading the assessment.
The 2025 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards will be judged at Wintec Te Pūkenga, Rotokauri Campus on Sunday 2 March 2025. Medal winners will be named on Tuesday 25 March 2025 with the Trophies and Category Champions announced at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Gala Dinner in Hamilton on Thursday 1 May 2025.
For the first time entry is through the cheeseloversnz website – where the Awards organiser – the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association (NZSCA) has recently developed a portal with all its member information. The entry process is the same as in the past, it’s only the location of the entry form that is different. The NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025 entry can be found here.
NZSCA Chair, Simon Lamb said, “We are thrilled to begin the process for judging and hosting the 2025 NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, celebrating the incredible talent and dedication of Aotearoa’s cheesemakers.”
“The NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are vital for the New Zealand cheese industry as they provide recognition and promotion, helping to raise awareness and appreciation of Aotearoa’s cheeses among consumers. This recognition can boost sales and market presence for cheesemakers, contributing to their economic stability. The awards offer valuable feedback, enabling cheesemakers to improve their products and maintain high standards, which is essential for competitiveness. Additionally, by acknowledging efforts in sustainability and innovation, the awards encourage environmentally friendly practice and the development of new products, ensuring the long-term success and growth of the New Zealand industry,” Simon Lamb said.
The NZ Champions of Cheese Awards are in the 22nd year of recognising Aotearoa’s finest cheeses. The gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to the finest cheeses can be attached to packaging to shine a light on the best examples of Kiwi cheese to guide consumers purchase decisions so their taste buds are always rewarded with excellent quality NZ cheese. Additionally, looking for the medals is a guarantee the cheese is made in New Zealand, keeping jobs in the regions.
For the Woolworths Sustainability Award each year judges focus on a different sustainability pillar. This year judges will be focusing on the environment and will consider how businesses are transforming environmental processes to enhance sustainability with initiatives which may include: water management, soil health, land use, restoration, waste reduction and energy efficiency.
This year the biannual Innovative Packaging Aspiring Cheesemaker Award will recognise a cheesemaker who shows exceptional dedication to developing their career and mastering the art of cheesemaking.
Master Judge, Jason Tarrant will again preside over the panel of 25 judges. Over the past four years in the role, Jason has taken a special interest in training new judges, which has resulted in a pool of talented cheese judges. Following training in October to coincide with NZ Cheese Month, three new recruits are joining the panel this year to assess cheese alongside experienced judges.
NZ Champions of Cheese Awards entries close on Friday 21 February 2025. Cheeses will be assessed by a panel of up to 30 judges at Wintec, Rotokauri Campus on Sunday 1 March 2025. Medal winners will be named on Tuesday 25 March 2025 with trophies announced at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards Gala Dinner in Hamilton on Thursday 1 May 2025.
The NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Trophies are:
- Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial)
- Champion of Champions (Mid-sized)
- Champion of Champions (Boutique)
- MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese
- ECOLAB Champion Blue Cheese
- Champion New Cheese
- Novonesis Champion Soft White Rind Cheese
- Cheeselinks Champion Greek-Style or Danish-Style Cheese
- Champion Fresh Italian-Style Cheese
- WINTEC Te Pūkenga Champion Fresh Unripened Cheese
- AsureQuality Champion Dutch-Style Cheese
- IXOM Champion European-Style Cheese
- IFF Champion Farmhouse Cheese
- Thermaflo Champion Washed Rind Cheese
- Food Safety Quality Solutions Champion Aged Flavour Added Cheese
- Big Chill Distribution Champion Fresh Flavour Added Cheese
- Tetra Pak Champion Retail Cheddar Cheese
- Champion Bulk Cheddar Cheese
- OJI Fibre Solutions Best-in-Class Goat Milk Cheese
- Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese
- Best-in-Class Buffalo Milk Cheese
- Dominion Salt Champion Export Cheese
NZ Champions of Cheese 2025 Special Awards are:
- Sabato Chefs’ Choice
- Woolworths Sustainability Award
- Innovative Packaging Aspiring Cheesemaker
