NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
In the past 30 years, we’ve seen an explosion in the range of cheeses made in New Zealand with local interpretations of classic European styles and others that celebrate our heritage and local ingredients.
Cow, goat, buffalo or sheep milk cheese are all popular—with Aotearoa’s talented cheesemakers creating a diverse selection of award-winning New Zealand specialty products.
Every year, New Zealand’s finest cheeses are recognised at the New Zealand Cheese Awards. Look out for these winning cheeses at your local supermarket or specialty food store, farmers’ market, cheese factory store and even online stores, with delivery direct to your door.
Complete List of Winners
Jason Tarrant - Master Judge, guided a team of thirty-three experienced judges to taste and award the best-of-the-best from over 270 of New Zealand’s finest cheeses. An incredible presentation of a wide range of styles from 22 producers.
Almost 200 NZ cheeses are entitled to gold, silver and bronze wear medals to affirm their quality following the judging of the New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards 2025.
Medals were bestowed upon 199 of the country's finest cheeses after evaluation of over 240 locally produced cheeses. The awards, managed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association, highlighted exceptional quality and innovation in the local cheese industry.
After checking, sniffing and tasting more than 250 locally produced cheeses the country’s finest 187 have been awarded medals and 26 recognised with Champions Trophies in the prestigious New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards.
The country’s top cheeses have been recognised with 162 receiving medals following the 20th year of judging for the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards.
In February of this year, 25 expert cheese judges smelt, crumbled and tasted their way through almost 300 New Zealand cheeses in order at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards 2020.