Kapiti dominates cheese awards

Media release              
4 March 2009
 
Kapiti dominates cheese awards
 

Kapiti has done it again at the Cuisine New Zealand Champion of Cheese Awards, winning more categories than any other cheese producer.
 
At the Tuesday night awards ceremony, Kapiti Kikorangi, Tuteremoana Cheddar and Karu all won the top prizes in their categories.
 
Kapiti Kikorangi - New Zealand's most-awarded cheese - won the NZSCA Champion Export Cheese Award for the second year running. 
 
With its rich golden curd, creamy texture and dense blue veining, the cheese has established a legion of loyal fans from all over the world, says renowned Wellington chef Al Brown.
 
"Although it's up against so much tradition internationally, it definitely holds its own on the world stage," he says. "People from overseas love it because it's so rich and creamy."
 
Brown says he is yet to meet someone who has tried a piece of Kikorangi and hasn't said "wow".
 
"For a blue cheese it appeals to a range of people and tastes because it's not too overbearing or underwhelming.
 
"I enjoy using it because it adds real integrity to a dish. It's a quality product New Zealand should be proud of."
 
Kapiti's Tuteremoana Cheddar was named the Hally Labels Champion Cheddar - New Zealand's favourite cheese category.
 
Jason Blackie, executive chef at Sails Restaurant in Auckland, says the win wasn't surprising.
 
"The cheese has been around a long time so it's great to see it get recognised like this," he says.  "It's really well-deserved" 
 
Blackie, who has been using the cheese for more than six years, says it's great to work with and has several standout qualities.
 
"I like it because it's a nice, mature cheddar with a zesty, sharp bite. Its firm body makes it easy to use also."
 
Kapiti Karu rounded out the winning trio, taking the award for NZSCA Champion European Style Cheese.
 
Introduced to the Kapiti range in 2008 and developed specifically for New Zealand, it has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour says Neil Willman, Awards Master Judge.
 
Reflecting the holes that are part and parcel of the appearance of a Swiss-style cheese, its name is the Maori word for "eye", equipping it with a strong New Zealand identity.
 
Gina Klarwill, Senior Brand Manager for specialty cheese, is delighted with the win.
 
"Karu is a new cheese in the Kapiti portfolio that has stood out because it combines the best of European cheesemaking techniques with our own original New Zealand flair," she says.
 
"Fonterra recognises the quality and kudos of the Kapiti brand reflected in the recent re-launch and we will continue to invest in this kiwi icon."
 
- Ends

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