Taste of success: Woombye firm makes 2nd best cheese in the world
by Tanya Outridge
Assistant Cheesemaker Adam Paprill, CEO (cheese eating officer) Beth O’Leary, and Head Cheesemaker Stefan Wilson celebrate the success.
The Woombye Cheese Company’s washed rind product has taken out second place at the World Cheese Awards in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is basically the cheese capital of the world and to have had our cheese judged and recognised in this way, on a stage of that size is just incredible,” said Woombye Cheese CEO Beth O’Leary.
The global competition brings more than 3,000 cheeses and 60 judges together over 5 days to award the best of the best.
“It sounds like such a cliche but I really do think the secret is in the quality of our local ingredients, the fact that we have a small range that we have really perfected, and the absolute passion our team has for making beautiful cheese,” Beth said.
“We use Maleny milk, and our cheesemakers, Stefan Wilson and his assistant, Adam Paprill carefully make everything by hand. It is a labour of love.”
According to Beth, cheese is ‘having its moment’ right now, as people become more aware of the ingredients in their food and the quality of the food they are consuming.
“Cheese takes a long time to make, but it is essentially a very simple food that can elevate any meal, from a toastie to a cheese platter, a souffle, or a dessert,” said Beth.
“I love having the opportunity to not only produce beautiful cheeses, but to also educate consumers about the variety of wonderful ways they can be enjoyed, and to share them with people.”
Beth and the team at Woombye Cheese have taken their fabulous products ‘on the road’ and have been met with great enthusiasm by all who have sampled their cheeses.
“Sharing our products at events and festivals is so much fun, because we get to see people’s reactions first hand,” Beth said.
Cellar Door Saturdays
“And now we are also opening the cellar door to visitors on Saturday mornings between 10am and 2pm so people can come along and see where the cheese is made, and to taste test it for themselves.
“This award is huge for us, for our region, and for the growth of this industry. I am so grateful for our team here. You guys make a lot of people happy.”