Fresh-cut Dutch and European cheeses are in Kiwi stores.

Kiwis adore their cheese – especially as we edge closer to warmer days, when every gathering seems to start with a cheeseboard.

But for all our dairy credentials, our supermarket cheese offering simply hasn’t matched the hype. In 2022, tourists went viral for bluntly calling our specialty cheese range “barely there.”

This gap in the market was duly noted by Global Cheese Boutique, a business that’s shaking up the cheeseboard.

Backed by an award-winning Dutch cheesemaker, the importer works with trusted producers to introduce a completely new range of Dutch and European specialty cheeses to New Zealand supermarkets, hotels and hospitality venues.

Managing director and NZ operations representative Radhe Popli – who brings 16 years of cheese industry experience – says they collaborate exclusively with top European suppliers.

He also credits his wife, Doli, as the inspiration behind the venture. “Doli was the one who always said, ‘Why can’t New Zealand have the same amazing cheese variety we see in Europe?’” he says.

“What was missing in New Zealand was the availability of flavours and fresh-cut cheeses. We realised the similarity between all the different brands here. We saw a gap in quality and flavour, so we decided to bring in something different,” he adds.

Reflecting strong market demand, Global Cheese Boutique has rapidly expanded its footprint to selected New World stores and 66 independent specialty retailers nationwide.

Its signature range – led by the striking Black Lemon, Tricolor, Truffle, Aged Goudas, and Dutch Maasdam – has quickly become a favourite for quality-conscious shoppers, with retailers reporting consistent repeat orders.

“[We’re backed] by one of the top producers in Holland, a family that has specialised in producing cheese for generations and generations. They specialise in all the authentic Dutch flavours – aged gouda, cumin gouda, maasdam – and innovative flavours, like red pesto, basil pesto, lemon, tricolour. They’ve been experimenting for years. And now, we’re collaborating with them to bring their expertise to New Zealand,” says Popli.

A unique selling point for Global Cheese Boutique is that the cheeses are imported in whole wheels. Instead of the product arriving pre-cut and packaged, the cheese is freshly cut and packed here in New Zealand.

Transporting the cheese in its wheel keeps it protected by its natural rind, while also promoting even ageing and moisture distribution. The products are also wax-free, meaning customers can enjoy their wedge with minimal waste and maximum flavour.

“If it was pre-cut in Holland, it may be sitting in the warehouse for a month before it’s shipped to New Zealand – then there’s the transit time. So over that time period, there’s a big difference in flavour between freshly cut and pre-cut. The flavour is the biggest thing – you can taste the difference,” Popli explains.

“Secondly, fresh-cut is more moist – dryness is not appealing, which you can see in pre-cut, pre-packed cheese.”

As well as wholesale supply to supermarkets, restaurants and hotels, Global Cheese Boutique offers hampers, platters, event catering and corporate gifting. Customers can also stock up on their favourite specialty cheeses online.

The cheeses are a welcome addition to hotel buffets, high teas and breakfast spreads, says Popli, particularly for international visitors who may be pleasantly surprised by the array of specialty options.

Popli says its flavoured goudas prove popular, as the natural colours make them vibrant centrepieces for a cheeseboard or grazing table.

Popli says Kiwis can taste the difference for themselves.

“What we want from the customer is not to think, ‘oh, it’s just the same type of cheese we’re already buying.’ What we’d like them to do is try the difference in the quality of our fresh-cut cheese, compared to the prepackaged options sitting around for months before being exported from Holland,” he says.

“That freshness, the creaminess and the taste of our cheese will definitely be different from what they are used to.”

For authentic European cheese produced by expert cheesemakers in Holland, head to globalcheeseboutique.com