history
Profile | History | Committee | Sponsorsour humble beginnings
The emergence of specialty cheese in Australia occurred during the 1950-1960 period when individual cheese manufacturers started to produce non-Cheddar cheese in commercial quantities.
During early 1982 several dairy co-operations came together and formed the Australian Specialty Cheese Producers' Committee (ASCPC). One of the committee's principal objectives was to promote the manufacture of specialty cheeses in Australia and to protect the Australian market from "unreasonable or unfair" imports.
Specialty cheeses, as defined by the committee were all types of cheese other than Cheddar type cheese, and in particular included Blue Vein, Cottage, Cream Cheese, Camembert, Edam, Feta, Gouda, Haloumi, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino, Pepato, Pizza, Provolone, Ricotta, Romano and Swiss.
The definition of specialty cheese at that time was rather broad. Large and small manufacturers alike produced these types of cheese which were mainly sold in supermarket outlets.
During the 1980's a fresh breed of small cheese manufacturers appeared on the scene. Their focus was to deliver to the consumer fresh, handcrafted cheese of the highest quality. To distinguish their products from the "commercial" specialty cheeses, the name "Specialist Cheese" was coined and in 1994 the Australian Specialist Cheesemakers' Association was formed.
This small group of entrepreneurs, committed to offering the Australian consumer something new and different commenced small scale production of mould-ripened white and blue cheeses and other varieties. These were later followed by washed-rind and mixed mould varieties. After an initial slow growth with periods of stagnation and steep learning curves, this young section of the dairy industry emerged as a promising group with a substantial earning and growth potential for the Australian economy. In a very short period, Australian specialist cheese makers have earned an international reputation with their products being praised and winning accolades at local and international exhibitions and competitions.
