The Supreme Winner of the fourth New Zealand Vegan Society Vegan Cheese Awards is “The Greek,” a delectable feta from One Love Planet, a newcomer wowing judges with its bold, savoury, and well-balanced flavour.
This vegan twist on a Greek classic stood out with its zesty lemon and garlic taste, earning it the top spot among fierce competition.
Source: One Love Planet - 'The Greek'
As the vegan cheese market continues to expand in New Zealand, the 2024 awards saw a record number of entries from across the country, spanning twelve different categories. The judges, including expert cheese judge Franco Sessa, executive chef Jasbir “Jazz” Kaur, food and beverage industry judge Aaron Pucci, and vegan comedian Tom Sainsbury, faced the challenging task of evaluating the diverse and innovative entries.
“We were very impressed with the range of cheeses provided, proving that the world of plant-based cheese is going from strength to strength,” said media spokesperson Claire Insley. “We present these food awards to showcase the best of vegan food produce available throughout Aotearoa, and this year’s Cheese Awards were exceptional.”
Source: NZ Vegan Society - Cheeses
Savour also garnered significant attention, winning the Innovation category for their ‘Cashetta’ cheese. Judges praised its sharp, savoury flavour and crumbly consistency, noting its versatility in adding texture and flavour to various dishes.
This year, two new categories were introduced: Cheese Spreads and Innovation, highlighting the most interesting and unusual ingredients used.
The full list of winners across categories includes standout entries like Zenzo’s ‘Cheddar,’ Epic’s ‘Garlic and Chives,’ and One Love Planet’s ‘Karmasan,’ showcasing the impressive range and quality of vegan cheeses available in New Zealand.
The event highlighted the creativity and dedication of local producers, pushing the boundaries of what plant-based cheese can offer.
Full list of winners and runners up CLICK HERE
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