New Zealand Champions of Cheese Awards Enter New Era
For Immediate Release Monday 7 August 2017
The New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association is delighted to announce a new era for its annual Champions of
Cheese Awards with the appointment of a new event manger and public relations agency, Marvellous Marketing.
The Specialist Cheesemakers Association has been running the awards since 2003, and will host their 15th annual awards
event in Auckland on Wednesday 14 March 2018.
New Zealand Speciality Cheesemakers Association chair, Miel Meyer says the awards celebrate excellence within cheese,
butter and yoghurt making in New Zealand and educate Kiwis about locally made dairy products, encouraging them to taste
and purchase.
Miel says since the awards began in 2000 the industry has changed significantly. “Over almost two decades we have
witnessed changes in legislation, an increase in the number of small cheesemakers and growing consumer interest in food
provenance. This has been overlaid with changes in media and the rise of social media. All these factors meant it was
time for the Board to review the Awards.”
“Marvellous Marketing’s proposal stood out. They know the food industry and their track record establishing and running
the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards proved their ability to successfully run food awards and the associated
communication campaign.”
Marvellous Marketing Director, Nicola McConnell said she and business partner Kathie Bartley were delighted to be part
of the Champions of Cheese Award team. “The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s hard working
cheesemakers and share their stories with Kiwi cheese lovers. To do this we will roll out a 12-month communication plan
which includes free marketing workshops for cheesemakers, social media and consumer dinners in addition to the
glittering Awards event.”
Miel Meyer thanked Goode PR for their energy and enthusiasm running the awards over the past 15 years. “The strength and
recognition of the awards is due to the efforts of Goode PR. The Board and I appreciate the drive and resources they
brought and acknowledge their part in making the Awards the success they are.”
ENDS.