Floridia Cheese, founded by Mauro Montalto and his wife Carmela, is a testament to tradition, passion, and quality in cheese-making. With roots tracing back to Sicily, the Montalto family brought their cheese-making skills to Australia in 1952. From humble beginnings of producing ricotta over a wood fire in their backyard, the family's dedication to quality led to the establishment of Floridia Cheese in 1955.
Initially operating from a small factory in Bundoora, the demand for their traditional Italian cheeses increased. This prompted a move to a larger facility in Thomastown in 1998. Today, Floridia Cheese is renowned as Australia's premier manufacturer of traditional Italian cheeses, including Pecorino Pepato. It is recognised with accolades such as the Pecorino Pepato win at the 25th Australian Grand Dairy Awards. With a commitment to time-honoured methods and a legacy steeped in cheese-making history, Floridia Cheese continues to set the industry standard for consistency and quality in Italian cheese products.
Thomastown cheese producers Floridia Cheese collected the top prize of Champion Hard Cheese for their Pecorino Pepato at the 25th Australian Grand Dairy Awards earlier this month.
Hosted by Dairy Australia and the Royal Agricultural Societies in Melbourne, the annual awards acknowledge quality and innovations across 18 dairy product classes, attracting entrants from each state.
The awards saw 380 entrants across 18 categories judged on flavour, aroma, texture, body, and visual appearance to determine the finest products.
Each state was represented in the awards, take-home prizes across categories such as cheese, ice cream, milk, yoghurt, butter, and gelato.
Floridia Cheese owner Rose Portella said the team was proud of their products and committed staff, milk supplier, and all partners involved.
"Our multiple awards confirm that we are a class-leading Australian Dairy manufacturer of premium cheese, and our Dairy Farmers can be proud that their quality milk is being converted into award-winning dairy products," she said.
"We are always striving to produce the best products possible for our customers and put in the extra effort to ensure the highest quality products are produced and enjoyed by our customers."
Florida Cheese has been a manufacturer of traditional Italian cheese since 1955. It is operated by a third-generation family that upholds the grandparents' – the founding fathers' – vision of producing quality products.
Ms. Portella said the business used time-honoured traditional methods combined with a passion for producing the highest quality products.
"Our success is attributed to quality milk and ingredients, loyal and hardworking staff, passion, commitment, and time-honoured recipes," she said.
Australians are encouraged to look for the blue and gold medals on their packs to shop for award-winning products.
Source URL - https://ncreview.com.au/2024/02/20/thomastown-cheese-producers-crowned-national-best/