18 STORES RECOGNISED FOR BEING EXCEPTIONAL PLACES TO SHOP FOR NZ CHEESE
Four exceptional outlets selling locally made cheese have joined the ranks of the Top NZ Cheese Stores for 2022 and 2023, giving shoppers 18 places across the country where they are guaranteed an outstanding experience buying locally made cheese.
This is the third year for the annual accreditation system which is organised and assessed by the New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association in October to coincide with NZ Cheese Month.
There are now 18 retailers around the country that have been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Top NZ Cheese Store’, this year’s debutantes are:
Te Puna Deli, Tauranga
FreshChoice Pāpāmoa, Tauranga
FreshChoice Merivale, Christchurch
Geraldine Cheese Company, Geraldine
Accreditation is made after a thorough evaluation by specialist food judges Kathy Paterson and Kerry Tyack. Kerry said; “cheese demands careful treatment that pays homage to the intricacies of its production. Delivering a range of cheese in the very best condition and in a way that recognises each style of cheese's special character is a complex business. It's so very heartening to see more effort being put into these aspects of cheese promotion and sale and its ultimate enjoyment.”
The only supermarket in Tauranga to cut cheese freshly from the wheel, FreshChoice Pāpāmoa offers a huge range of New Zealand cheese. From family favourites such as Mainland through to boutique offerings from makers such as Cranky Goat from the Marlborough Sounds or Little River from Nelson, the store prides itself on having an offer for every NZ cheese lover. Fresh Choice Pāpāmoa educate consumers about the variety of locally made produce by regularly offering NZ cheese tastings instore.
Te Puna Deli in Tauranga prides itself on selling fresh produce direct from local growers and buying in bulk to reduce packaging and this philosophy extends to NZ cheese. They stock an extensive range of New Zealand cheeses which shoppers can match with locally made accompaniments such as chutneys, relishes and daily fresh sourdough. The team regularly taste and receive cheese education meaning they’re always happy to make suggestions and recommendations to customers.
Christchurch’s FreshChoice Merivale is known to locals for its extensive range of NZ cheese. The supermarket sets itself apart by being one of the few to cut cheese freshly from the wheel to order all year. They have a strong focus on growing sales of NZ cheese. Which is reflected in their extensive range which offers something for every cheese lover with goat, cow, buffalo, sheep cheese all available. Their dedicated staff are passionate about cheese and share this love with customers.
Located in Four Peaks Plaza in the heart of bustling South Canterbury town, Geraldine Cheese Co sells their NZ Champions of Cheese winning hand-crafted cheeses as well as an exclusive range of locally produced delicatessen and homewares. There are always cheese tastings in store and their friendly staff have plenty of knowledge of their award-winning cheese and learn how it’s made which they happily share with shoppers. The store also boasts a selection New Zealand ice cream.
These four stores join 14 others from Auckland to Oamaru which sell locally made cheese and are recognised as Top NZ Cheese Stores.
Announcing the Top NZ Cheese Stores for 2022 and 2023, NZSCA Chair, Catherine McNamara said the country’s cheesemakers are delighted to have these 18 stores recognised for their dedication to New Zealand cheese. “Cheesemakers are very passionate about their craft, so having the support of stores that share their knowledge and enthusiasm with cheese lovers all around the country is just wonderful.”
Revealing the Top NZ Cheese Stores came at the end of another successful NZ Cheese month which culminated with that announcement as well as the naming of the Rutherford & Meyer Favourite NZ Cheese Company. Throughout NZ Cheese Month in October Kiwi cheese lovers were invited to vote for their favourite cheesemaker. By public vote the title went to Whitestone Cheese Co, the family-owned Oamaru cheese company which has been making cheese for more than 30 years. Coincidentally, Whitestone Cheese is also a leading cheese retailer with its Whitestone Cheese Store attached to its Oamaru factory named as a Top NZ Cheese Store.
Whitestone Cheese Managing Director Simon Berry said “It’s such a thrill for our family-owned and operated company to be recognised this way once again, receiving this title twice in four years cements us as New Zealand’s favourite cheese companies.
Top NZ Cheese Stores 2022 and 2023 are:
Auckland
Farro, Grey Lynn
Farro, Lunn Ave (Mt Wellington)
Farro, North Store
Sabato, Mt Eden
Waikato
Over the Moon Dairy, Putaruru
Over the Moon Deli, Cambridge
Bay of Plenty
Te Puna Deli, Tauranga
FreshChoice Pāpāmoa, Tauranga
Hawke’s Bay
Hōhepa, Clive
New World Hastings
Wairarapa
C’est Cheese, Featherston
Wellington
Moore Wilson’s, Tory Street
Nelson
The Junction Shop, Appleby
Christchurch
Barrys Bay Cheese, Akaroa
Charing Cross Cheesery, Riverside Market
FreshChoice Merivale
South Canterbury
Geraldine Cheese Co
North Otago
Whitestone Cheese, Oamaru