Feta-tastic

Aylesford cheese company receives federal bucks to build warehouse addition

An Aylesford cheese company is renovating its facility to allow for future growth.

Holmestead Cheese Sales Incorporated, which has been a mainstay in the Valley since 1985, received a $50,000 loan from ACOA for an addition to the existing warehouse.

The 30-foot by 50-foot addition will be fully wired, plumbed and insulated. It will house dried goods and machinery and contain an overhead door and a ramp for a fork lift.

“After 30 years in business in Annapolis Valley, it’s wonderful to continue to see our company grow and to seek out new opportunities,” said Susan Tziolas, co-founder of Holmestead Cheese.

“With ACOA’s support, Holmestead Cheese is very excited to make these modernizations, and to carry on a tradition of exceeding customer expectations for quality and delivery. We thank our wonderful customers across Canada who continue to buy home grown products, and would like to recognize the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture for their ongoing assistance.”

Known for their high quality feta, Holmestead Cheese has been able to secure contracts with several large retail grocers across Canada—including Sobeys, Loblaws and Wal-Mart.

Holmestead recently earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification, which provides assurances that the food they’re bringing to the marketplace has been produced to the highest possible standards. The certification is a new requirement for many major retail grocers.

Upgrades to company’s facility will help maintain their preferred status with current clients while attracting new ones to stock their cheeses.

“Holmestead Cheese is a Canadian pioneer in the production of artisanal cheeses, with personal service and highquality products having led to the company’s success to date,” said ACOA minister Rob Moore. “Our government is pleased to support Holmestead’s expansion to better serve and grow their customer base — 80 per cent of whom are outside Atlantic Canada.”

In addition to making feta, Holmestead creates a variety of other specialty cheeses such as ricotta, and some parmesan. As well, the company also supplies imported Kalamata olives, X-Virgin Greek olive oils, roasted red peppers, grape vine leaves and other savoury items that marry well with Mediterranean cooking.

Nick Tziolas, co-founder of Holmestead Cheese Sales Incorporated, learned his craft in Northern Greece and has over 70 years of experience in the production and marketing of cheese products.