FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Courtenay, BC — Natural Pastures Cheese Company is proud to announce its Gold Medal win at the 2025 World Cheese Awards, held in Bern, Switzerland, for its celebrated Smoked Boerenkaas — finishing just one point shy of the coveted Super Gold distinction.
This achievement reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and innovation of the entire Natural Pastures team. As an artisan cheesemaker, every wheel we create is truly hands-on — shaped, cared for, aged, and smoked by people who bring skill and intention to every step. From our cheesemaker Paul Sutters team, crafting Boerenkaas with precision, to our packaging Tom Unrau’s team who smoke and age each wheel to perfection, and Doug’s administrative team ensuring our cheeses reach customers across Canada — this award celebrates the work of many hands.
The story behind our Smoked Boerenkaas makes this win even more meaningful. What began as a modest, hands-on experiment many years ago — when now retired sales manager, Rick Adam’s first tested smoke flow using a Coleman camping cooler with a hole drilled into it — has since evolved into a fully specialized smoke room. Today, we use locally sourced Vancouver Island wood to achieve the cheese’s signature depth, character, and unmistakable west-coast flavour.
Smoked Boerenkaas shines on any cheese board with its rich, savoury depth and smooth, golden finish. Its natural smokiness pairs beautifully with crusty artisan breads, buttery crackers, and coastal-inspired charcuterie. For beverages, it complements bold red wines, amber ales, and smokey whiskey -whose warm, smoky whisky notes mirror and elevate the character of this cheese. Whether melted into gourmet dishes or enjoyed simply on its own, Smoked Boerenkaas brings a touch of West Coast craftsmanship to every bite.
“We are thrilled to be recognized on the world stage,” said Operation Manager Doug Smith at Natural Pastures. “This award reflects not only the skill and passion of our staff, but also the support of our customers, distributers, retailers, and community across Canada. We are honoured to represent Vancouver Island and Canadian artisan cheesemaking at an international level.”
Natural Pastures Cheese Company extends heartfelt thanks to its loyal customers, local partners, and the broader Canadian dairy community, whose support makes achievements like this possible.
About Natural Pastures Cheese Company
Based in Courtenay, British Columbia, started in 2001 and still owned by Edgar, Phillip and Doug Smith, 3rd Generation Island farmers, Natural Pastures Cheese Company crafts award-winning, hands-on artisan cheeses. Using 100% Canadian milk sourced from Vancouver Island dairy farms, they have a focus on quality, tradition, and coastal terroir, the company continues to innovate while honouring European cheesemaking techniques.
Find us also in Fine Food Digest – Published Issuu Reader Page 37
Media Contact: Natural Pastures Cheese Company 635 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay, BC / Anyssa Jane General Manager anyssa@naturalpastures.com
Find Natural Pastures Cheese at find Food Retailers in Canada and in the Deli Section at your grocery Store. Retails if you are not listed please contact Anyssa to make sure you are on the list!
For more about the event check out this article: https://culturecheesemag.com/blog/reflections-on-the-world-cheese-awards-in-switzerland/
Here is a list of customers that have ordered Smoked Boerenkass in the last 30 days – Please call them ahead to check for stock:
Ontario, Canada
Yukon Territory Canada
British Columbia Canada
Gladstone Brewery
Thrifty Foods #15–9463 Admirals
Thrifty Foods #16–9464 Nanaimo
Thrifty Foods #33–9480 Belmont Market
Thrifty Foods #34–9481 Courtenay
Thrifty Foods #35–9483 Edgemont
Whole Foods Market – Park Royal
Whole Foods Market – Solo District
YIG #4034 Yellowknife Old Airport
Alberta Canada
Articles: Courtenay cheese company wins gold in World Cheese Awards | Comox Valley Record
