Moondarra Cheese has entered into an agreement to acquire Tarago River Cheese. Brands now owned by Moondarra Cheese include Shadows of Blue*, Gippsland Blue, Blue Orchid, Gippsland Brie, Triple Cream and Jensens Red.
Moondarra is located in Gippsland, Victoria and so is Tarago River. The acquisition builds on the shared Australian family values of quality, uniqueness and attention to cheesemaking detail to continue growth in the gourmet, specialty cheese category, and draws from “the same rich, pastoral dairy lands, where the milk is at its finest.”
Tarago Cheese has held a pioneering role in farmhouse artisanal cheese since its inception in 1982. “The Jensen and Johnson families are justifiably proud of the tradition and reputation built, with a collection of cheeses that are universally appreciated, judged and considered world class.”
Moondarra Cheese, founded in 1999, is an Australian specialty cheese company, focussed on manufacturing and marketing soft and creamy cheeses to the retail and export markets.
Company Directors Nick Katis and Matt Freeman state: “We have always had a close affinity to Tarago and admired the consumer taste reactions to their premium cheese range – producing cheese comparable (at the very least) to any French or international equivalent. We are delighted to add this impressive range to our portfolio and eager to make them available to more consumers both in Australia and overseas to enjoy.”
This change of ownership is an exciting milestone in the history of Tarago and the development of Moondarra Cheese. Some things, however, will not change. Tarago Cheese will continue to source the world’s best milk from the same green pastures located in Gippsland Victoria, metres from the cheesemaking facility.
“Australia has a new integrated cheese company that is focussed on value added, beautiful and flavoursome cheeses that will delight and perform on cheese platters, recipes or just on their own. Soft & Creamy Cheeses made in Australia, owned by Australians, has now come together.”
*Shadows of Blue is the star of this portfolio.