1 July 2002
Puhoi Valley Cheese Extension Boosts Boutique Cheese Production
A factory extension at the home of specialty cheese maker the Puhoi Valley Cheese Company will almost double production
and introduce the latest cheese making technology, when it is officially opened today, Monday 1st July 2002.
High demand for the boutique cheese maker’s products, within a market which is estimated to be growing by 10% a year ,
has prompted the expansion which will see the facility increase production from 700 to 1300 tonnes a year.
The boost in production also means the Puhoi Valley Cheese Company is taking on 16 new staff, bringing the total to more
than 80.
The expansion will introduce a number of curd handling and control features which will allow greater manufacturing
flexibility and mean the site will be able to handle up to 30 thousand litres of milk a day.
The company combines up to the minute cheese making technology with old fashioned pride and craftsmanship. It meets
extremely high international standards for quality and hygiene using the latest technology in controlled temperature and
airflow systems.
Corrie den Haring, General Manager, Puhoi Valley Cheese Company said, “Our research shows that New Zealanders are
becoming more discerning in their taste in cheese. The expansion of our cheesemaking facility means we will able to meet
this increased demand and introduce more people to the wide variety of taste sensations speciality cheeses can offer.”
The Puhoi Valley Cheese Company is nestled in the picturesque Puhoi Valley and has been producing fine specialty cheeses
since 1983 when it employed just two people.
Cheese making is a passion at the Puhoi Valley Cheese Company, where the Bouton d’or, Ornelle and Puhoi Valley brands
are produced by an international team of cheese makers led by French Cheese Maker Franck Beaurain.
The Puhoi Valley Cheese Company was acquired by New Zealand Dairy Foods in November 2000.
ENDS