The site rolled over competition like an out-of-control cheese wheel at the Dairy Industry Association of Australia Australian Dairy Product Awards.

The awards won included highest scoring cheddar cheese as well as three golds and nine silvers for cheddar cheese varieties.

These varieties are used to make Perfect Italiano.

Fonterra north regional operations manager Steve Taylor said the awards confirmed the quality of the foods made in Stanhope and the quality of milk produced by the region’s farmers.

“It’s fantastic that our skilled teams have been recognised for their expert craft and the quality of cheese they produce,” Mr Taylor said.

“Stanhope is known as the town of the tastiest cheese, and we’re extremely proud of the great cheese we make and are grateful this has been recognised by experts in the industry.

“We’ve got some of the best dairy know-how in the business, which is the key to making great-tasting, quality dairy foods Australians love.”

Mr Taylor congratulated the staff for striving to maintain the highest quality dairy, and Fonterra’s dedicated farmers for supplying the “best milk for the job”.

The Australian Dairy Product Awards are a gateway to the Australian Grand Dairy Awards.

Fonterra Australia took home 47 gongs in total at the awards.