A Triumphant Night at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025!

May 02, 2025

We're absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news from the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2025! It was a truly remarkable evening, with independent cheesemakers shining brightly, and we couldn't be prouder of our achievements.

This year's awards saw a phenomenal eighteen trophies go to independent producers, highlighting the incredible quality and innovation within our New Zealand cheese community.

For the Whitestone Cheese family, it was an especially significant night. We were honoured to be named the Champion of Champions for our Monte Cristo!

Trophies awarded:

Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial)
Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Fonterra Co-operative Group Champion Original Cheese
Whitestone Cheese Co, Monte Cristo, Maui Sheep Milk Best-in-Class Sheep Milk Cheese
Whitestone Cheese Co, Pukaki Blue Brie, FOSS Champion New Cheese
And the icing on the (cheese) cake, our very own Jonathan Emerson was named the MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker!

This success at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to quality that every member of our team brings each and every day.

The competition this year was fierce, with over 240 locally produced cheeses evaluated. The judging panel, led by Master Judge Jason Tarrant, praised the exceptional quality and innovation on display, noting that "this year the superb quality of cheeses had the judges working overtime to separate the best of the best and confirm the Champions." We feel incredibly honoured to be counted among them.

For all you cheese lovers out there, keep an eye out for these award-winning cheeses at your local supermarkets and specialty retailers, farmers markets, and online. Supporting New Zealand cheese means supporting local jobs, expertise, and the vibrant food scene.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the organizers, judges, sponsors, and volunteers of the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards for their tireless efforts in celebrating and supporting our industry. It's their dedication that helps ensure New Zealand's finest cheeses get the recognition they deserve.

We're excited to keep crafting exceptional cheeses for you to enjoy!

Other Medal Highlights

Monte Cristo (Original New Zealand Cheese)
Lake Pukaki Blue Brie (New Cheese)
Shenley Station Blue (Blue Cheese)
Highland Blue (Blue Cheese)
Ferry Road Halloumi (Greek-Style Cheese)
Benmore Brie (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)

Lake Pukaki Blue Brie (Blue Cheese)
Moeraki Bay Blue (Blue Cheese)
Windsor Blue (Blue Cheese)
Aged Airedale (Original New Zealand Cheese)
Lindis Pass Camembert (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)
Lindis Pass Brie (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)
Mt Domett Double Cream Brie 125g (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)
Mt Domett Double Cream Brie (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)
Probiotic Brie (Soft Ripened Cheese – White Mould Rind)