An Eltham cheese factory has won an international prize for its Havarti cheese.
The Kāpiti Kānuka Havarti, made by Fonterra Brands' Eltham Bridge Street Cheesemakers, placed third in the Havarti category at the World Champion Cheese Contest in March.
Out of 131 categories, the Havarti cheese was one of twofrom New Zealand which received a placing in the competition.
Fonterra in Auckland received third place in the unsalted butter category.
The cheese received a score of 98.60, just 0.5 of a point less than second placed US brand Klondike Cheese Co.
First place went to US brand Meister Cheese with a score of 98.70.
Lead cheesemaker at Eltham, Cathy Lang, says she is excited about the win.
"I'm very passionate about cheese so to receive the award is an honour. This cheese factory has been operating for over 100 years. It is awesome we're still making good cheese after all this time."
The cheese was entered in the same competition two years ago, receiving a high score but not placing.
She says it is an honour to receive the award.
"To place third against all the other countries in the world is amazing. Havarti is predominantly made in Europe and getting placed against countries who have made Havarti for over 100 years is amazing."
She says the creamy buttery flavour is what makes Havarti a great cheese.
"It's a very nice mild flavour. It's really good on a cheese board mixed with a cheddar flavour and then a blue cheese."
She says the cheese is great to pair with fresh fruit, bread nuts and a white wine.
"It also melts really well, so you can mix it with another cheese for a fondue or have it on a cheese toasty."
She says the factory staff are all proud of the achievement.
"The staff here have been here many years and they're very proud of what they do. They're very dedicated to what they do."
She says one of the contributing factors to the success of the Havarti cheese is the Taranaki pasture.
"We get our milk from Taranaki cows who have been fed on Taranaki pasture. The milk has the good pastoral flavours which makes wonderful tasting cheese.
"It is New Zealand's point of difference."
Lang says the name of the cheese can cause some confusion.
"Kāpiti is a premium brand but it gets confused with the Kāpiti district. The cheese is made here which is something Taranaki can be proud of."
She says the win is beneficial for Eltham.
"It's very exciting for the town. There are a lot of people coming into the shop looking for the cheese. It is great that is accessible to locals but also great that it can be purchased at a supermarket."
