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The award recognises the quality, craftsmanship and expertise behind Kikorangi, following judging against more than 4,500 entries from over 20 countries.
It marks Kāpiti's strongest-ever performance on the international stage and highlights New Zealand's specialty cheesemaking sector and the expertise of the Eltham team behind the Kāpiti brand.
Pascal Francisque, Lactalis New Zealand chief executive, says the achievement is a testament to the craftmanship of the company's cheesemakers.
"This recognition belongs to our people. The skill, passion and dedication of the team at our Bridge Street site in Eltham are what make achievements like this possible," Francisque says.
"To receive this level of recognition in a competition of this scale reflects the expertise, dedication and attention to detail our Taranaki team brings to cheesemaking every day," he adds.
"New Zealand has a proud history of producing outstanding dairy products, and this award shows that our cheesemakers can compete with some of the best in the world."
In addition to the Supreme Champion title, Kāpiti secured trophies for:
- Champion Overseas Cheese — Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue
- Best New Zealand Cheese — Kāpiti Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue
- Best Vegetarian Cheese — Kāpiti Kahurangi Creamy Blue
Six further Kāpiti cheeses were awarded gold medals in their respective categories, alongside numerous silver and bronze awards.
The award-winning cheese is produced at Kāpiti's Bridge Street site in Eltham, where a highly skilled team continues to build on Kāpiti's longstanding reputation for quality specialty cheese.
Cathy Lang, Lactalis New Zealand master cheesemaker, says the result reflects years of craftsmanship and the commitment of the entire Eltham Bridge Street team.
"This one means a lot. We've come close before, so to finally take out Supreme Champion with Kikorangi is incredibly special for everyone involved," Lang says.
"Great cheese is never the work of one person. It takes a team of people who care deeply about their craft, from cheesemakers and maturation specialists through to quality teams, operations and logistics.
"Every wheel of Kikorangi represents years of experience, knowledge and attention to detail. To have that recognised on the world stage is incredibly rewarding."
