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Tag: cheese

  • Unsafe Landfill Cheese Surfaces on NZ Market: Over The Moon Brand Issues Alert

    Unsafe Landfill Cheese Surfaces on NZ Market: Over The Moon Brand Issues Alert

    Cheese that had been previously discarded in a landfill was discovered being unlawfully sold in Waikato.

    New Zealand Food Safety reports that the cheese seems to have been removed from the Putaruru rubbish tip before being located for sale in the town on Sunday. It was stated that the product had not been kept in refrigerated conditions and was therefore unsuitable for consumption. Additionally, there’s a possibility that this cheese is being sold in other regions as well.

    The Impacted Products

    The cheeses in question are all from the Over The Moon brand. The list of items includes Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight. The batches affected carry the numbers 18.11.25, 25.11.25, and 26.11.25.

    Over the Moon was the first to bring this issue to the attention of New Zealand Food Safety, and is currently working on alerting its customers.

    Despite the absence of any reported illness linked to the consumption of this product, New Zealand Food Safety expressed “serious concerns” about the product’s safety. This is especially due to the fact that the cheese was deemed unfit for sale by the company and consequently disposed of.

    Vincent Arbuckle, the deputy director general of New Zealand Food Safety, warned about the evident food safety risks connected with the consumption of cheese that has spent a certain period of time in a landfill and outside of the food supply chain. He stated that the cheese should be avoided as it hasn’t been subjected to mandatory food safety controls and its storage, transport, and handling methods remain unknown.

    Customers who come across the affected cheese in unregistered businesses can call the toll-free line 0800 00 83 33. They have been advised to instead buy the legitimate Over The Moon products from the company’s authorized stockists.

    Investigations Underway

    Arbuckle emphasized that the sale of discarded cheese is illegal and poses a considerable risk to public health. He noted that an investigation is underway by New Zealand Food Safety.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the specific cheese products that have been found illegally for sale?
    The implicated products are from the Over The Moon brand, including Camembert, OMG, Black Truffle Brie, Galactic Gold, Halloumi, Gee’s Spread (Black Truffle & Garlic Chilli flavors), Smoked Chilli Camembert, Goat Camembert, and Double Delight.

    What is the risk of consuming these cheeses?
    The cheeses, which were not refrigerated and have spent time in a landfill, could be contaminated and pose significant food safety risks.

    What should customers do if they find the affected cheese for sale?
    Customers should report any sightings of the cheese being sold at unregistered businesses to the toll-free line 0800 00 83 33. They should only purchase Over The Moon products from the company’s authorized stockists.

  • New Zealand Grapples with Skyrocketing Cheese Prices Amid Rising Food Inflation

    New Zealand Grapples with Skyrocketing Cheese Prices Amid Rising Food Inflation

    Over the past year, food prices in New Zealand have witnessed a substantial rise of 4.7%, an increase from the 4.1% rise recorded in September, as reported by Stats NZ.

    Significant Rise in Grocery Prices

    The hike in food prices has been particularly noticeable in grocery items. A significant 25.5% increase was observed in the price of instant coffee, with an average price of NZ$7.88 (A$6.85) per 100 grams. The price of a 1kg block of cheese also reflected a 30.1% surge, costing $12.71 ($11.05).

    The highest rise was seen in the cost of grocery foods, with an annual increase of 4.9%. This was closely followed by the cost of meats, poultry, and fish, which rose by 7.6%.

    Heightened Dairy and Poultry Prices

    Stats NZ, the national statistical agency, provided additional data on the prices of dairy and poultry products. The average price of a two-litre bottle of milk rose by 13.5% over the year, reaching a price of $4.78 ($4.16).

    Similarly, the cost of a dozen fresh eggs also saw a significant annual increase of 18.5%, with the average price being $9.88 ($8.60).

    Questions & Answers

    What was the overall increase in food prices in New Zealand over the past year?
    Over the past year, there was an overall increase of 4.7% in food prices in New Zealand.

    Which food categories witnessed the highest price increases?
    Grocery food costs saw the highest increase at 4.9%, followed by meats, poultry, and fish prices, which increased by 7.6%.

    What was the price increase for dairy and poultry products?
    The average price of a two-litre bottle of milk increased by 13.5%, while the cost of a dozen fresh eggs saw an 18.5% increase annually.

  • Bel Group Targets Australia’s Lucrative String Cheese Market With Babybel Mini Rolls Launch

    Bel Group Targets Australia’s Lucrative String Cheese Market With Babybel Mini Rolls Launch

    Bel Group, well-known for their cheese products, is expanding its offerings in Australia’s string cheese segment through the introduction of its Babybel Mini Rolls. These spiral-shaped snacks represent the company’s latest foray into the Australian market.

    Bel Group established their Australian subsidiary, Bel Brands Australia, in November of the previous year. The move was made to directly handle distribution and to strengthen relationships with retailers. Since its inception, Bel Brands Australia has assumed command of nationwide distribution for the brand’s cheese products.

    Babybel Mini Rolls are set to make an impression on Australia’s lucrative string cheese market, which is estimated to be worth between $150 million to $200 million each year.

    The Mini Rolls will be available in packs of six, conveniently pre-portioned for ease of consumption. A special feature of these packs is the inclusion of Disney Pixar characters, making them particularly appealing to young consumers.

    Rucha Sarma, Senior Brand Manager at Bel Brands Australia, commended the spiral design of the new product, citing its interactive appeal. “Mini Rolls carry the same quality and taste of the original Babybel that consumers love; however, they are presented in a playful shape that can be enjoyed by both children and adults,” Sarma explained.

    She further elaborated that like all Babybel products, the Mini Rolls are made from pasteurised milk and are a rich source of calcium. Importantly, they are also free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours. Their portable size makes them an ideal addition to children’s lunchboxes or for snacking during travels.

    The Babybel Mini Rolls are set to hit the shelves of Coles supermarkets beginning mid-September. Distribution to independent stores across the country is planned to commence from the following month.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the estimated value of Australia’s string cheese market?
    The Australian string cheese market is estimated to be worth between $150 million and $200 million each year.

    What are the key features of Babybel Mini Rolls?
    Babybel Mini Rolls have the same quality and taste of the original Babybel cheese but are presented in a fun spiral shape. They are made from pasteurised milk and are free from artificial preservatives, colours, and flavours.

    When and where will Babybel Mini Rolls become available?
    The Babybel Mini Rolls will become available at Coles supermarkets from mid-September, with distribution to independent stores set to commence from the following month.

  • Tarago Cheese Unveils Shadows Of White: A New Double Cream Brie With A Unique Flavor Profile

    Tarago Cheese Unveils Shadows Of White: A New Double Cream Brie With A Unique Flavor Profile

    Tarago Cheese, known for its Shadows series, has announced the launch of a new product named Shadows of White. This double cream brie will be available for purchase nationwide starting this month.

    Shadows of White: A New Addition to the Tarago Cheese Lineup

    Shadows of White is manufactured in Gippsland and boasts a mousse-like texture and a white mould rind, thanks to its unique production process. The brie is made using additional cream sourced from a local farm and is matured for a duration of four weeks through traditional methods.

    The flavour profile of Shadows of White is complex and intriguing. Among the flavors represented are straw, pine nuts, and a subtle tang, all rounded off with a soft, creamy finish. Designed with casual dining and cheese board additions in mind, this brie is best enjoyed with fresh bread, seasonal fruits, nuts, and white wine.

    Availability and Pricing

    Shadows of White will be made available in 150g cut-and-wrap wedges at a recommended retail price of $10. These will be available for purchase at Coles, Woolworths, and IGA. Additionally, 1.5kg wheels of the cheese will be sold at select delis and independent grocers, with an approximate price of $70 per kilogram.

    Historically, Tarago River Cheese became a part of Moondarra Cheese in 2023, paving the way for a greater variety of cheeses for consumers to enjoy.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new product launched by Tarago Cheese?
    Tarago Cheese has introduced a new product named Shadows of White, which is a double cream brie.

    What unique flavors does Shadows of White boast?
    Shadows of White features notes of straw, pine nuts, and a slight tang, culminating in a soft, creamy finish.

    Where can consumers find Shadows of White for purchase?
    Shadows of White can be found in stores such as Coles, Woolworths, and IGA, as well as at selected delis and independent grocers.

  • Bega Cheese Eyes Acquisition Of Fonterra Oceania: A Potential Boost For Australia’s Dairy Industry

    Bega Cheese Eyes Acquisition Of Fonterra Oceania: A Potential Boost For Australia’s Dairy Industry

    Bega Cheese, an Australian dairy company, has indicated its intention to file an application with the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) seeking authorisation for its planned acquisition of Fonterra Oceania.

    Enhancing Outcomes through Acquisition

    Bega Cheese believes that the prospective acquisition would greatly improve the company’s performance and efficiency, and it would also have substantial benefits for the broader dairy industry. The company argues that combining its resources with those of Fonterra Oceania would result in improved efficiencies and outcomes for Australian dairy farmers, customers, and consumers.

    Bega Cheese is of the view that it is the most suitable acquirer of Fonterra’s Oceania businesses and is keenly interested in pursuing this opportunity. The company is hopeful of engaging in productive discussions with Fonterra Group on the sale of its Oceania businesses.

    Domestic Acquisition not Subject to Foreign Review

    As Bega Cheese is an Australian business, it expects that the potential acquisition will not require the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

    Fonterra’s Divestiture Strategy

    In November, Fonterra revealed its plans to divest by pursuing a trade sale and an initial public offering of its global consumer business, as well as its integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Fonterra Sri Lanka. The company believes that this divestment will allow it to concentrate its resources on the ingredients and foodservice businesses, thereby maximising value.

    Fonterra’s consumer business includes the operations and marketing of a variety of brands, such as Mainland, Anchor, Kapiti, and Anlene.

    Questions & Answers

    Why is Bega Cheese planning to acquire Fonterra Oceania?
    Bega Cheese believes that the acquisition of Fonterra Oceania would greatly improve its own business efficiencies and performance.

    Who needs to approve the acquisition?
    The Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) needs to approve the acquisition.

    What is Fonterra’s rationale behind its divestiture strategy?
    Fonterra believes that by divesting, it will be able to concentrate its resources on the ingredients and foodservice businesses, thereby maximising value.

  • Australia And Eu Resume Free Trade Talks: Farming, Food Labeling, And Intellectual Property Rights In Focus

    Australia And Eu Resume Free Trade Talks: Farming, Food Labeling, And Intellectual Property Rights In Focus

    Trade Minister Don Farrell has announced that Australia and the European Union (EU) are set to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement immediately. This comes two years after Australia withdrew from discussions due to an unsatisfactory market access proposal for its beef, sheep, dairy, and sugar sectors.

    Changing Global Trade Landscape

    The global market has reshaped in unexpected ways due to the unanticipated tariff hikes imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. As a result, the prospects for fruitful negotiations between Australia and the EU, specifically centered on enhancing access for select agricultural products and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, have considerably improved.

    One of Australia’s prime objectives is to amplify its beef and lamb exports to Europe. However, this is a task easier said than done, considering the significant political sway held by European farmers. An offer made by the EU in 2023 accounted for a scant 0.3% of its agricultural imports and was inferior to what it proposed to other trade partners.

    Contentious Discussion Points

    Another significant obstacle has been the EU’s insistence that Australia relinquish naming rights for hundreds of food and beverage products. The EU is pushing for Australia to adopt its system of controlling the names of region-specific food and spirits specialties, which, if agreed upon, could adversely affect Australian consumers, dairies, and boutique spirit manufacturers.

    The EU is advocating for Australia to implement its “geographical indications” model to safeguard the names of European goods. This includes a list of 170 food names and 236 spirit names that the EU wishes Australia to concede.

    The EU’s proposition is that only Greek feta should be allowed for sale in Australia; currently, Australian, Greek, Danish, and Bulgarian feta are sold nationally. It also seeks to reserve the names prosecco and parmesan exclusively for European manufacturers.

    Australia’s approach to food labeling is primarily driven by consumer protection laws and there is minimal history of fraud. By contrast, Europe initially introduced this system for wines due to rampant fraud, before extending it to food products.

    Intellectual Property Challenges

    Issues arise with the specific food and spirits names that the EU wishes to reserve for its producers. Australia contends that these are common names for the food items and it should not lose access to them. The country’s trade agreements allow for an objection process in situations where intellectual property rights limit what other producers can do. However, the government has thus far failed to offer a resolution process or feedback for those affected by the EU’s naming demands, hindering due process of law.

    Questions & Answers

    What impact could the EU’s naming demands have on Australian producers and consumers?

    It could negatively affect Australian dairies and boutique spirit manufacturers, as well as consumers who are accustomed to products with certain names.

    Why is Australia resisting the EU’s naming demands?

    Australia argues that these are common names for food items and that they should not lose access to them. The country also maintains that its approach to food labeling, driven by consumer protection laws, is adequate.

    What concessions could Australia potentially make to reach an agreement?

    Australia could follow the precedent set by Canada by accepting feta as a geographical indication while allowing existing Australian producers to continue producing and selling feta. Similar safeguards could be sought for other products.

  • Doritos Nacho Cheese as a spirit

    Doritos Nacho Cheese as a spirit

    Snack food giant Frito-Lay North America has partnered with spirits company Empirical to create a limited-edition beverage called Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit. The product claims to offer a multi-sensory drinking experience that smells and tastes like the Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips.

    Tina Mahal, SVP of marketing for Frito-Lay North America, said the partnership aims to disrupt the spirits category by offering the brand’s nacho cheese flavor in a bottle.

    “We’re always pushing our fans to try new things, so we figure it’s time we disrupt the spirits category by offering our iconic nacho cheese flavor in a bottle,” she said.

    To create the flavor, Empirical extracts the many flavor layers of Doritos Nacho Cheese using real chips. The process retains the essence of the chips through vacuum distillation, which operates at lower temperatures, preserving the full spectrum flavors derived from the chips.

    Meanwhile, Empirical CEO and distiller Lars Williams said the collaboration allowed the company to experiment with interesting flavors without being stuck in a particular spirits category.

    “Empirical is an ‘uncategorised’ spirits company, so it allows us the freedom to experiment with really interesting flavours and not have to be stuck in a gin box, tequila box, or whiskey box,” said Williams.

    Limited-edition bottles of Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese Spirit will be pre-ordered starting December 13 for an RRP of US$65 (42 percent ABV, 750ml) online and in select New York and California markets.

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  • Kraft US launches plant-based Mac & Cheese

    Kraft US launches plant-based Mac & Cheese

    Kraft US has launched its first plant-based Mac & Cheese, strengthening its plant-based portfolio in the market.

    The range features Original and White Cheddar flavors and is available now nationwide through early next year.

    Kraft NotMac&Cheese is an example of the brand’s plan to expand its portfolio of plant-based solutions across a broad range of categories.

    “The Kraft Heinz Not Company creates plant-based versions of fan-favorite foods that taste like the real thing, yet don’t require people to change their eating habits drastically,” said Lucho Lopez-May, CEO of Kraft Heinz Not Company.

    “NotCo brings its revolutionary AI technology that has a proven track record in creating mouthwatering plant-based foods to Kraft – the beloved mac & cheese brand that sells over a million boxes daily.”

    In addition, the introduction expands on The Kraft Heinz Not Company’s existing plant-based options, which include Kraft NotCheese Slices and NotMayo. The Kraft Heinz Company plans to expand into five additional categories and begin worldwide operations next year.

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  • Bega Cheese reports strong market share growth for FY23

    Bega Cheese reports strong market share growth for FY23

    Bega Cheese says it has gained market share and margin momentum in the second half of the year following significant cost increases in the first quarter.

    For FY23, the dairy company achieved a revenue of $3.4 billion, marking a 12 per cent rise from the previous year. It closed the fiscal year with a net debt of $203.6 million and a reduced leverage ratio of 1.6 times.

    Statutory EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) was $144.1 million, with a post-tax loss of $229.9 million significantly impacted by non-cash asset impairment of $230 million.

    Meanwhile, normalised EBITDA was $160.2 million, with a profit after tax of $28.5 million.

    According to Bega, its strategic decisions in the past five years played a pivotal role this year as it navigated “difficult and rapidly changing” conditions.

    The implementation of price adjustments, cost reduction initiatives, and a stream of new products significantly improved the financial performance of the Branded segment, particularly in the latter part of the year.

    However, the continued decline of milk production and excess milk manufacturing capacity have created a highly competitive environment and a disconnect between returns from globally treated commodity markets and Australian farm gate milk prices.

    Bega said this scenario will continue for some time, resulting in a non-cash impairment and a strategic decision to right-size some of its commodity assets.

    Reflecting on the results, executive chairman Barry Irvin emphasised the company’s strategy to shift to a predominantly branded business model.

    “The non-cash impairment of our bulk commodity assets reflects industry circumstances and reinforces the importance of our strategy to transform to a predominantly branded business,” said Irvin.

    “The right-sizing of our commodity assets and their further integration with our branded business creates a great platform for the support and growth of our brands while maintaining the capability to respond to changing market circumstances.”

    Looking ahead, Bega has outlined a restructuring and simplification program to accelerate its transition to an integrated, predominantly branded business.

  • Kraft launches vegan Mac & Cheese

    Kraft launches vegan Mac & Cheese

    After researching plant-based alternatives for its Philadelphia cream cheese, international food conglomerate Kraft has released a vegan version of its classic Mac & Cheese box. Gluten-free and vegan-certified, the new product is available via Woolworths supermarket in Australia – though it is currently sold out.

    Excitement grew on social media as it flooded with images and posts about a vegan version of Kraft’s iconic Mac & Cheese boxes, but little information has been forthcoming regarding the launch. Now known as Kraft Heinz, the multinational has been slow to move in the plant-based market, but did launch vegan mayo and salad dressing options last year

    The new Mac & Cheese Vegan is perfect for quick dinners and is free from artificial colours and flavours. Made with rice flour pasta and a dairy-free sauce, the cooking instructions also suggest using a plant-based milk in place of cow’s milk.

    Kraft has yet to release information about whether the product will be made available in other markets.

  • Cheer cheese formerly known as Coon hits shelves

    Cheer cheese formerly known as Coon hits shelves

    Cheer, the cheese brand is formerly known as Coon, has rolled out its range under the new name and packaging across Australian supermarkets.

    The company said it aims to launch more products nationally over coming weeks. The new range comes with 10 items, ranging from Tasty Slices, Mozzarella Slices, Colby Block and Tasty Shred.

    Earlier this year, parent Saputo announced the change of its Coon cheese brand to Cheer due to suggestions of a racial slur associated with the name. While the old name was often inappropriately used to describe ethnic groups, the cheese was named after Edward William Coon, who patented a unique ripening process that was used to manufacture the original Coon cheese.

    “Cheer is the same great cheese that millions of Australians have grown up with and enjoyed for generations,” said Cam Bruce, commercial director at Saputo Dairy Australia. “We look forward to bringing that little bit of happiness to everyone’s day, whether it’s a sliced snack, part of the family dinner or a melty, midnight toastie.”

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  • Cheese-tea chain Machi Machi to launch in Singapore

    Cheese-tea chain Machi Machi to launch in Singapore

    Machi Machi, the Taiwanese cheese-tea chain which went viral after featuring in a music video of Mandopop king Jay Chou, is set to debut in Singapore.

    Named after Chou’s wife’s pet dog, Machi Machi Singapore will open at 25 Arab Street this month.

    According to the franchise owner, the Singapore outlet will have “no seats”, but is hoped to be launched before Jay Chou’s upcoming Carnival World Tour concert in the city on January 10 and 11.

    The Singapore store will offer its signature drink “God of Cheese Tea” together with other 18 items, including panna cotta, tea with fresh fruit, and the classic milk tea with pearls.

    Machi Machi now has stores in 10 countries including Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, France, Australia, Canada, Sweden and the UK.

  • Filipino ice-cream Carmen’s Best opening in Singapore

    Filipino ice-cream Carmen’s Best opening in Singapore

    Premium Filipino ice-cream chain Carmen’s Best has opened its first overseas store in Singapore.

    The store, which held its soft opening on Monday at Capitol Singapore, offers fresh milk-based ice creams in flavors such as milk chocolate, butter pecan, and Sicilian-sourced pistachio. The brand is launching a Singapore-exclusive cheese flavored ice cream that contains chunks of cheese.

    Owner and founder Paco Magsaysay have stated a goal to become a “Filipino-made, world-class ice-cream brand.”

    The brand began as a dairy farm serving a growing number of stores and partners before launching its ice-cream products.

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  • Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore closes down

    Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore closes down

    Pablo Cheese Tart Singapore has closed all of its stores in the city. After 19 months in operation, the cheese-tart brand’s exit from the city follows the shuttering of its outlets in Malaysia last July.

    The first outlet in Wisma Atria saw long queues when it first opened in August 2017.

    Pablo Cheese Tart has not issued any announcement towards the closings. However, its Facebook pages appear to have been deactivated.

    Reasons for the closure in Malaysia included customer feedback that the tarts had a sub-par taste compared to the Japanese stores’ products, and consumers found them expensive.

  • Fonterra India appoints Ishmeet Singh CEO

    Fonterra India appoints Ishmeet Singh CEO

    Fonterra Future Dairy Pvt Ltd, a new joint venture between global dairy nutrition company Fonterra Co-operative Group and new age FMCG company Future Consumer Limited, announced the appointment of Ishmeet Singh as its CEO, effective from January 7, 2019.

    Singh, a seasoned leader with a proven track record of profitable growth and business expansion, joins the business to deliver its ambition to bring high value and innovative dairy products to Indian consumers.

    Singh was a member, Western Region Committee (WRC) of the American Chamber of Commerce. He is a physics graduate, and has a Master’s in Management Studies from Mumbai’s Sydenham Institute.

    Singh says, “Over the next seven years dairy consumption is set to increase by 82 billion litres – seven times the forecasted growth for China. I feel extremely privileged to be able to lead this new opportunity as we look to bring an enhanced dairy experience to Indian consumers. I firmly believe through Fonterra Future Dairy we have a huge opportunity to challenge and change the market, combining Fonterra’s global dairy innovation, manufacturing and nutrition expertise with Future Group’s leadership in retail and distribution expertise and infrastructure.”

    Leading the growth and expansion of some of the world’s largest, trusted flagship brands in the Indian market, is familiar territory to Singh, having worked over the last 25 years at top multinational and FMCG companies such as Mattel, Vodafone, Hindustan Unilever, and Coca-Cola.

    Most recently, he led the business at Mattel, largest toy manufacturer in the world, as its Country Manager for India and the SAARC region. Previously, he held the role of Business Head at Vodafone India for over 5 years, leading remarkable revenue growth and retail expansion in many circles including Mumbai and Maharashtra.

    Managing Director Future Consumer Limited and Board Member of Fonterra Future Dairy, Ashni Biyani says, “We’re delighted to have someone of Ishmeet’s calibre to lead the business. As a sales and marketing professional at heart, we see him being instrumental in helping us build a brand that Indians love.”

    Fonterra’s Managing Director of Sri Lanka and the Indian Subcontinent, Chairman of Fonterra Future Dairy, Sunil Sethi said, “As our exciting growth phase picks up steam, it is critical that people with the right experience, values and drive are in place to steer the business forward. We are in the process of putting together a first-class team to build a fantastic legacy for the business. Through the ambition we have set, we believe the learning experience and possibilities here at Fonterra Future Dairy are limitless. Ishmeet is a proven and highly accomplished professional with a passion for leading teams to transformative success and growth. With his vision and deep personal commitment to society, we are confident that he will bring immense value in delivering on our ambition.”