Tuesday, 14 May 2024 09:55

Lang is top cheesemaker, again!

Written by  Staff Reporters
Fonterra’s Cathy Lang is the 2024 MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker of the Year. Fonterra’s Cathy Lang is the 2024 MilkTestNZ Champion Cheesemaker of the Year.

Fonterra Brands' Cathy Lang has been crowned the country's best cheesemaker for the second time in three years.

Lang is the co-operative brands business master cheesemaker and principal technologist at the FBNZ Bridge Street site in Eltham, Taranaki.

She told Dairy News that winning the MilkTest NZ Champion Cheesemaker title at the annual NZ Champions of Cheese awards this month is not just a personal milestone "but a recognition of the collective passion and hard work of our entire team".

"It's about the art of crafting cheese that resonates with both the judges and cheese lovers alike. I look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of cheesemaking."

To win the coveted title each cheesemaker entered three cheeses of different styles showing their cheesemaking breadth. Lang showed Kapiti Artisan Ash Rind White, Kapiti Artisan Bridge St Blue and Kapiti Rarama.

She made a remarkable transition into cheesemaking in 2005 after two decades in veterinary science. Her success is a testament to her ability to blend cheesemaking science with creativity. Since joining Fonterra in 2014 Lang has been instrumental in driving its NZ specialty cheese development, with her dedication to excellence consistently recognised with numerous national and international accolades.

At the awards, Fonterra also cemented its position as the country's number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.

Fonterra's NZMP Epicure also sold as Mainland Epicure aged cheddar - took the title of Woolworths Champion of Champions (Commercial). The judges described this as, "Beautiful! An abundance of calcium lactate, intense good string mature flavour yet well balanced, and clean. Pleasurable savoury tone, with fruity, sweet and nutty alongside."

The country's second largest milk processor Open Country Dairy received the Woolworths Sustainability Award, assessed by a panel who reviewed cheese companies' sustainability initiatives, with a focus on production. The judging panel noted Open Country demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable cheese production.

The judges stated, "We were particularly impressed by the company's initiatives to addresses decarbonisation within their value chain and commended Open Country's decision to phase out coal boilers and use renewable energy."

At the annual awards, 26 trophy winners were announced following an extensive evaluation in early March assessing more than 250 locally produced cheeses, with the finest 187 already honoured with gold, silver and bronze medals.

More like this

Featured

NZEI unhappy with funding cut for teachers

Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.

EU regulations unfairly threaten $200m exports

A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.

Bionic Plus back on vet clinic shelves

A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.

National

Top ag scientist to advise PM

A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.

Machinery & Products

Hose runner saves time and effort

Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Science fiction

OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…

Bye bye Paris?

OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter