Breede River Valley farmer wins Woolworths Cheese Makers Challenge

The competition, judged by a panel of independent cheese experts, challenged small, local cheese makers to create new and exciting cheeses to tempt the taste buds of South African cheese lovers. Only two entries were permitted per cheesery and entries were received in the categories of hard cheese, semi-hard cheese, wash rind cheese, white mould cheese, blue mould cheese, fresh cheese or cheeses with added foodstuffs.

The judges were unanimous in their praise for the overall quality of the entries. "The standard of entries was quite remarkable," said cheese expert Valerie Elder. "There were some nice contrasting tastes and lovely ideas." Claire Goosen of Lake Foods concurred. "I was very interested in what people came up with; very creative and a good balance between texture, flavour and appearance."

Zyda Rylands, MD of Woolworths Foods explains why the company launched the competition. "Innovation is a passion for us. We love introducing new ideas and new flavours to our customers. With over 134 cheeses - many of which are exclusive and award winning - already on offer, we decided to challenge South Africa's small cheeseries to create new and exciting cheeses. We're very pleased with the result."

Leicher, who runs a dairy farm at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, has been making cheese on the farm since 1993. He has received numerous local and international accolades for his products, including South African Dairy Product of the Year in 2002. He credits the organic approach he takes as well as his unique 'ultrafiltration' production process and his dedication to producing innovative products that offer quality and affordability for his success.

The cheese will join the ranks of award-winning cheeses available at stores countrywide from February 2012.