Dutch-style cheeses have again taken the top honours at the national cheese awards.
A vintage gouda from MeyerGouda Cheese won the top prize for large cheesemakers and a very old edam by Mahoe Farmhouse Cheese won the award for smaller producers.
Almost 60 cheesemakers entered more than 400 cheeses in this year's competition.
Master judge Russell Smith said the industry is in good health and the Dutch cheeses stack up with the best from Holland.
"These Dutch-style cheeses are just superb ... they seem to keep getting better and better," he said.
"I'm seeing a lot more consistency among the small players."
Mr Smith said New Zealand can thank its Dutch immigrants for the expertise in gouda-style cheeses.
"We don't have any gouda-makers in Australia that make good cheese."
Meil Meyer accepts the Champion of Champions award on behalf of Meyer Gouda Cheese. Photo: NZ Champions of Cheese Awards
