About

… Karikaas Cheese, the cheese for cheese lovers..... Celebrating 40 Years !

In March 1984 Karin and Rients Rypma moved to New Zealand from the Netherlands and established a small factory in Loburn, North Canterbury, because the water was so clean and uncontaminated. (And we are still here.) The name Karikaas comes from Karin and Rients, and kaas is the Dutch word for cheese.

In January 2004 Karin and Rients sold, and now in 2024, Diana has been at the helm longer than Karin and Rients, and Karikaas is 40 years old. Diana and Alan have raised their family on the Loburn premises. "It's a beautiful place to be, wonderful for the children, staff and customers"

Diana and Alan and the wonderful staff hope that Karikaas will continue for the next 40 years, "Even though none of us will be here to see it!"

Karikaas being Dutch can be difficult to pronounce so it gets called Karikass, Karakass, Karacis Karakiss. Whatever - we don't mind, we know who you mean! Just look for the milkmaid logo and the black and orange colours!

The Karikaas range includes a selection of Dutch style cheeses made in a traditional manner and sold in a range of age categories from young to vintage; and European style fresh products; yoghurt, kwark, cultured buttermilk, cultured unsalted butter, and feta.

Champion Cheesemaker

The cows

relaxed staff

In the early years the local town supply Milk Company in Christchurch supplied milk. In the late 80’s Karin and Rients formed a relationship with a local dairy farmer Julie Merhtens from Oxford to supply milk directly to Karikaas, to ensure quality standards are maintained. The result: an award-winning range of boutique dairy products reflecting a blend of the natural rural surroundings with a unique European flavour.

It has taken time, effort and commitment to supply an authentic range of products to an increasingly health-conscious market. That is - products free of preservatives, stabilizers, emulsifiers and colourings. Karikaas managed to do just that by refining recipes, and sourcing the best ingredients in a way that exalts cheese and dairy food production in New Zealand.

We are proud of the quality of our products and the fact that our ecological foot-print is as low as is reasonably possible in today’s legislative environment.

To contact please phone, email or call into the shop.
Shop hours: Monday to Wednesday 11.00am - 3.00pm, closed weekends and public holidays.

03 312 8708

About

… Karikaas Cheese, the cheese for cheese lovers..... Celebrating 40 Years !

Champion Cheesemaker

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