Hawke’s Bay Cheesemakers Craggy Range Sheep Dairy and Origin Earth Score Big Wins at National Awards

Why It Matters

The awards elevate boutique New Zealand dairy brands, boosting export potential and reinforcing Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as a premium cheese hub.

Key Takeaways

• Craggy Range secured three top honors at NZ Cheese Awards.
• Origin Earth won three trophies for feta and smoked feta.
• Awards showcase Hawke’s Bay’s artisanal cheese excellence.
• Success underscores demand for premium sheep‑milk cheeses globally.
• Boutique producers gaining recognition alongside larger dairy brands.

Pulse Analysis

The 2026 New Zealand Cheese Awards, held in Auckland, featured a record 267 entries, reflecting a surge in artisanal dairy innovation. Judges evaluated a spectrum from traditional European styles to experimental blends, with boutique producers increasingly outpacing larger operations. Winning multiple categories signals not only product excellence but also the growing credibility of New Zealand’s specialty cheese sector on the global stage. As consumers seek authentic, high‑quality flavors, the awards serve as a barometer for market trends and a launchpad for export opportunities.

Craggy Range Sheep Dairy leveraged its newly built Tukituki Valley facility to enter the competition for the first time, capturing the European‑style cheese trophy with its six‑month‑aged pecorino and the champion boutique cheese title. The company’s halloumi, crafted from locally sourced cow’s milk during off‑sheep seasons, earned the new cheese trophy for its creamy texture and salty finish. By combining traditional Italian techniques with New Zealand’s pristine pasture milk, Craggy Range demonstrates how small‑scale producers can achieve premium positioning without sacrificing scalability.

Origin Earth’s triple win—Greek/Danish‑style cheese, fresh flavoured added cheese, and best‑in‑class sheep‑milk cheese—highlights the potency of high‑quality sheep milk sourced from the Central North Island. Founder Bruce Wattie attributes the accolades to rigorous milk handling and a focused product line centered on feta and smoked feta. The success aligns with rising international demand for sheep‑milk cheeses, which command higher price points and appeal to niche gastronomic markets. Looking ahead, Origin Earth is poised to expand distribution, leveraging award credibility to penetrate premium retail channels and overseas markets.