Windsor Blue off to home of cheese
OAMARU cheesemaker Whitestone Cheese has clinched an important export deal, having just delivered its first consignment of 100 rounds of Vintage Windsor Blue cheese to France.
Whitestone managing director Simon Berry said that to be shipping to Europe where cheesemaking was established showed that ‘‘as newworld cheesemakers we’re coming of age’’.
The first palletsized consignment, weighing about 250kg, was presold to multiple customers and then delivered to France last month, with a followup order expected in the new year.
‘‘We’ve secured a wellorganised distributor who presold it all, in their catalogue,’’ he said.
Buyers included highend delicatessens, hotels and food services across Europe, and the Windsor Blue was now sitting on shelves alongside oldworld classics such as Roquefort, Stilton and Gorgonzola, he said.
When invited to visit France last year by cheesemakers, Mr Berry and head cheesemaker Chris Moran realised the potential for market development after seeing French cheesemakers’ reactions when trying their cheese.
The pair had carried a round of Windsor Blue in a suitcase around France.
‘‘The Vintage Blue is a niche in Europe, not so strong and dryer,’’ Mr Berry said.
Whitestone’s distinct Windsor Blue mould strain delivered a ‘‘sweet finish’’ not found in other blue cheeses, combined with a full cream recipe and six months of maturation, he said.
Mr Berry said that provided a unique soughtafter flavour and texture.
Working with the New Zealand consulate and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Paris office, Mr Berry said a Parisbased distributor was found who supplied both France and other European markets.
The bulk of the order was comprised of Whitestone’s flagship Vintage Windsor Blue.
At present, Whitestone exported less than 5% of its produce and the Vintage Windsor Blue was one of the most popular sold in New Zealand, from the 25 cheese varieties produced, Mr Berry said.