Beemster Cheese

Beemster Cheese is a key brand of the co-operative CONO Cheesemakers in north Holland. The cheese is sold in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the United States. Beemster Cheese has been produced with a traditional cheese making method and is made in the Beemster polder (an area of reclaimed land dried out in the 1600’s). Because of its historical relevance, and because the original structure of the area is still largely intact, the Beemster Polder was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

In 2002, CONO Cheesemakers started (first cheese maker in Europe to do so) to pay a meadow premium to the farmers. This premium allows the cows to graze outside in the meadows. January 2008 saw the formulation of the Caring Dairy sustainability program, which was developed by premium ice cream producers, Ben & Jerry’s. The Beemster Cheese brand is being awarded a Good Dairy Award in recognition of the work and continued commitment to the welfare of their dairy cows and calves.

"I am really proud that Beemster Cheese has won the Good Dairy Award. Our mission is to make the tastiest and most sustainable cheese. To achieve this, we work with almost 500 dairy farmers on a daily base on sustainable dairy; or as we call it Happy Cows, Happy Farmers, Happy Planet. We were the first introducing a premium fee for pasturing in the Netherlands and we recently introduced a practical tool called Cow-Compass, which is developed by farmers and vets.

This Good Dairy Award is a recognition for all the investment of our Beemster Cheese farmers in the welfare of their cows. Together our Happy Cows and Happy Farmers deliver the very best milk for our delicious Beemster Cheese."

Catharinus Wierda - Manager Sustainability of Beemster Cheese