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.