The New Zealand Specialist Cheesemakers Association has announced a new era for its annual Champions of Cheese Awards with the appointment of a new event manager and public relations agency, Marvellous Marketing.
The Specialist Cheesemakers Association has run the awards since 2003, and will host their 15th annual awards event in Auckland on Wednesday 14 March 2018.
New Zealand Speciality Cheesemakers Association chair, Miel Meyer says the awards celebrate excellence within cheese, butter and yoghurt making in New Zealand and educate Kiwis about locally made dairy products, encouraging them to taste and purchase.
Miel says since the awards began in 2000 the industry has changed significantly. “Over almost two decades we have witnessed changes in legislation, an increase in the number of small cheesemakers and growing consumer interest in food provenance. This has been overlaid with changes in media and the rise of social media. All these factors meant it was time for the Board to review the Awards.”
“Marvellous Marketing’s proposal stood out. They know the food industry and their track record establishing and running the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards proved their ability to successfully run food awards and the associated communication campaign.”
Marvellous Marketing Director, Nicola McConnell said she and business partner Kathie Bartley were delighted to be part of the Champions of Cheese Award team. “The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s hard working cheesemakers and share their stories with Kiwi cheese lovers. To do this we will roll out a 12-month communication plan which includes free marketing workshops for cheesemakers, social media and consumer dinners in addition to the glittering Awards event.”
Miel Meyer thanked Goode PR for their energy and enthusiasm running the awards over the past 15 years. “The strength and recognition of the awards is due to the efforts of Goode PR. The Board and I appreciate the drive and resources they brought and acknowledge their part in making the Awards the success they are.”
