Tassie dairies on top

Gongs for Duck River, Ashgrove

WHAT do Duck River butter and Ash grove’ s new popped cheese have incommon?

They are both Tasmanian dairy products industry experts say are the cream of the crop.

Fonterra, which has factories at Wynyard and Spreyton, won 47 medal sat the Dairy Industry Association of Australia Dairy Product Awards.

Of these 47 awards, Fonterra’s Spreyton site won six for its Duck River butter and milk powder while Wynyard claimed two national awards for the highest scoring cheddar cheese, plus two gold and two silver medals for its cheddar and colby cheese varieties.

Fonterra Spreyton site manager Doug Overdijk said the awards confirmed the quality of the dairy foods made in Tasmania and the quality of milk supplied by farmers.

“We’ ve got some of the best dairy know-how in the business, which is the key to making great-tasting, quality dairy foods Australians love ,” Mr Overdijk said.

“Congratulations to our people who strive to maintain the highest quality dairy and our dedicated farmers who supply us with the best milk for the job.”

Ashgrove’s Amaze Balls popped cheese beat almost 1200 other dairy products to be awarded the most innovative in Australia.

Amaze Balls, a product which uses Australian-first technology to “pop” cheese into a crisp, air-dried snack, won the most innovative product in show at the awards.

Ashgrove’s yet-to-be released Signature Clover field Double Gloucester cheese was also awarded gold in its class.

Ashgrove marketing manager Anne Bennett said it was highly satisfying to have a 100 percent Tasman ian product recognised on the national stage.

“If you can’ t be the biggest kid on the block, you have to use what you have and try to be the smartest ,” Ms Bennett said.

“This is something Tasmanians are renowned for and helps us punch above our weight on the national stage.”