From Oamaru to Paris: Windsor Vintage Blue Lands in Paris

Whitestone Cheese has cleared New Zealand’s first consignment of specialty cheese into France, their flagship Vintage Windsor Blue making up the bulk of an order shipped to their new Paris based distributor this month.New Zealand blue cheese now sits on shelves in Europe alongside old-world classics such as Roquefort, Stilton and Gorgonzola. To be shipped back to Europe where cheese making was established shows that as new-world cheesemakers we are coming of age.Vintage Windsor Blue has always achieved international recognition, to have it now being shipped to France is a fantastic result for the Oamaru based cheesemaker and New Zealand.After visiting France last year while carrying a round of Vintage Windsor Blue in their suitcase, Simon Berry (MD) and head cheesemaker Chris Moran soon realised the potential for market development after watching French cheesemakers’ reactions when trying their cheese.Whitestone developed their own distinct Windsor Blue mould strain that delivers a “sweet finish” not found in any other blue cheese, this combined with a full cream recipe and 6 months maturing provides a unique sought-after flavour and texture.Working alongside the NZ Consulate and Paris NZTE office, Whitestone established a Paris based distributor who supplies both France and markets throughout Europe. The first pallet sized consignment was pre-sold to multiple customers and a follow-up order is expected in the new year.Oamaru based Whitestone Cheese sources it’s milk from local North Otago farms, produces 25 cheese varieties and employs over 50 staff locally.