Category Archives: Press Release

Distinctive artisan-crafted flavour shaped by Vancouver Island’s coastal terroir

Natural Pastures Cheese Company Wins Gold at the 2025 World Cheese Awards in Bern, Switzerland

Awards, News, Press Release

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.

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

Dags and Willow

Yukon Territory Canada

Cultured Fine Cheese

British Columbia Canada

Gladstone Brewery

40 Knots Winery

Fairmont Empress Hotel

Hanks A Restaurant

Market on Yates

Thrifty Foods #15–9463 Admirals

Thrifty Foods #16–9464 Nanaimo

Thrifty Foods #24–9472 Surrey

Thrifty Foods #27–9471 Duncan

Thrifty Foods #29–9478 Comox

Thrifty Foods #33–9480 Belmont Market

Thrifty Foods #34–9481 Courtenay

Thrifty Foods #35–9483 Edgemont

Western Foods #087420

Whole Foods Market – Park Royal

Whole Foods Market – Cambie

Whole Foods Market – Solo District

Wickaninnish Inn

Working Culture Bread Ltd.

YIG #7309 Brewery City Market

YIG #1688 Fernie

YIG #5488 Kamloops

YIG #1816 Kelowna Capri

Loblaws City Market #7534

YIG #4034 Yellowknife Old Airport

YIG #1887 Whistler

Alberta Canada

Calgary Co-op


Articles: Courtenay cheese company wins gold in World Cheese Awards | Comox Valley Record

Meet the Heart Behind the Hive: Daniel of Big D’s Bees

Press Release, Vancouver Island Strong Stories, , , , ,

Meet the Heart Behind the Hive: Daniel of Big D’s Bees

Article by Anyssa Jane – Natural Pastures Cheese

Tucked into the fertile landscapes of the Comox Valley, Big D’s Bees is more than just a honey company—it’s the expression of a life rooted in family, faith, and the rhythms of the land. At the center of it all is Daniel, the beekeeper-turned-entrepreneur whose journey into the food world started not with a business plan, but with a fascination for bugs.

Daniel didn’t always picture himself running a honey business. Growing up in the dairy industry, he understood hard work and the value of honest food—but bees? That was an unexpected twist. What began as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, and before long, a full-fledged business. Today, Big D’s Bees produces raw honey the old-fashioned way, with a deep respect for the bees, the land, and the people they feed.

“For me, honey isn’t just a product, it’s a way of life,” Daniel says. “Beekeeping connects me to generations of farmers who understood the importance of working with the seasons, not against them.”

There’s a moment Daniel often talks about—a defining one. Standing in a buzzing bee yard during his first harvest, he cracked open a fresh frame of honey, tasted it straight from the comb, and knew: this was it. It wasn’t just about honey. It was about creating something real—something people could taste, trust, and bring into their homes.

And it shows. Big D’s honey has become a staple in many kitchens, often enjoyed in tea, drizzled over toast, or folded into baked goods. But one of Daniel’s favourite unexpected pairings? Prosciutto & Pear Stone Oven Pizza finished with a delicate Fireweed Honey drizzle. Sweet, savory, rich and floral—it’s a local favourite that proves honey can do more than just sweeten your tea.

Over the past 20 years, Daniel and his wife have built Big D’s Bees together, learning as they go. One of the biggest lessons? Letting go of the idea that he had to do everything himself. “Building a team has made the business stronger—and the work more rewarding,” he reflects.

Daniel’s wife Justine works along side him doing marketing and distribution for the company. The couple enjoys raising their daughter and sons here in the beautiful Comox Valley region.

Through it all, Daniel’s food philosophy remains beautifully simple: “Rooted in faith, guided by the rhythms of farming, and fueled by a love for family—my food philosophy is all about creating honest, nourishing products that connect people back to what matters most.”

And if you ever found yourself at Daniel’s dream dinner party, you’d be in fine company: Jesus, Noah, and Ray Charles. Over steak, red wine, and ice cream, they’d talk faith, stories of old, and wrap up the evening with a drum and piano jam session.

Big D’s Bees is more than a local honey producer—it’s a reflection of a life lived with care, patience, and purpose. From hive to jar, Daniel’s honey is a golden reminder of what happens when we slow down, listen to the land, and let the bees do their magic.

We sell the honey here in our Artisan Cheese Shop at Natural Pastures Cheese open Monday to Friday 9-4 closed Holidays.

The mcdavid mozzarella natural pastures

McDavid Mozzarella is Only available in our Artisan Cheese Shop at Natural Pastures Cheese Company

Ideas & Info, Press Release,

In Canada we take hockey, lacrosse and cheese very seriously!

We’re celebrating Canada’s big hockey win this past week with something truly special—a new limited-edition mozzarella made with 100% Canadian water buffalo milk, rich in A2 protein!

On February 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM PST, Team Canada defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime to win the 4 Nations Face-Off Championship. The game was a rematch of their intense preliminary-round battle, where Canada fell 3-1 to the Americans. This time, with gold on the line, Canada rose to the challenge, delivering a thrilling finish in overtime.

With the legendary rivalry between Canada and the USA intensified by both history and national pride, this game carried significance beyond sport. Fans on both sides were deeply invested, and the excitement extended beyond the rink—the CN Tower and Montreal’s Olympic Stadium glowed in red and white ahead of the final, while the Empire State Building was illuminated in red, white, and blue. Though the championship took place at TD Garden in Boston, a wave of Canadian fans made their presence felt, creating an electric atmosphere.

new pressed water buffalo mozzarella to celebrate team Canada's win in hockey

To honour this incredible victory, we’ve crafted McDavid Mozzarella—a cheese that embodies the same dedication and excellence that led Team Canada to gold.

Just like in hockey, making great cheese takes commitment and a strong team. From the farmers at McClintock’s Farm and Coleman Meadow Farms who supply our rich, creamy water buffalo milk, to our expert cheesemakers who carefully craft and age each wheel, and our packaging team who ensures every piece is perfect—this cheese is a true team effort.

McDavid Mozzarella is the ultimate cheese for pizza, lasagna, and breaded mozzarella sticks. Its creamy, stretchy texture and rich flavour make it the perfect addition to your favourite comfort foods. Whether melted over a bubbling homemade lasagna, topping a crispy, golden pizza, or coated and fried for the perfect crispy, gooey bite, this cheese delivers winning results every time.

While Connor McDavid’s leadership helped guide Team Canada to victory, he wouldn’t be where he is without his teammates. The same goes for cheesemaking—exceptional cheese comes from farmers, cheesemakers, aging specialists, and packaging experts all working together to bring out the best in every wheel.

Join us in celebrating Canada’s win with McDavid Mozzarella, a smooth, creamy cheese that’s as exciting as a game-winning overtime goal.

Available for a limited time only in our Artisan Cheese Shop at Natural Pastures Cheese Company—crafted with passion, teamwork, and the finest Vancouver Island water buffalo milk.

Natural Pastures Cheese Strikes Gold at the Royal Winter Fair 2023 with Bufetta – A Water Buffalo Milk Delight

News, Press Release, Water Buffalo Cheese

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COURTENAY, BC, CANADA — January 9, 2024

Natural Pastures Cheese, a renowned artisanal Canadian cheese producer located in Courtenay, British Columbia, is thrilled to announce its recent triumph at the prestigious Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. The esteemed competition, held in 2023, saw Natural Pastures Cheese’s Bufetta, a delectable water buffalo milk product, clinch the Gold Medal in recognition of its exceptional quality and flavor. Since November 1922, Toronto has held the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair which is a tribute to Canadian agriculture. Held annually at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds, it has been considered the world’s largest indoor agricultural, horticultural and equestrian fair.

Bufetta, crafted with precision and care, exemplifies Natural Pastures Cheese’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients and employing traditional cheese-making techniques. Made with non-GMO, grass-fed water buffalo milk, and “BC Dairy” cow milk (made with 70 % Water buffalo milk and 30% Cow milk) Bufetta boasts a distinct profile that sets it apart from your average feta. The rich, creamy texture and unique flavor have made it a sought-after choice among chefs and food enthusiasts.

The heart and soul behind Natural Pastures Cheese’s success lie in the expertise of its master cheese maker, Paul Sutter, of Swiss descent. With many years of dedicated service to the company, Paul Sutter has played a pivotal role in developing and perfecting the water buffalo products that have now earned them the prestigious Gold Medal at the Royal Winter Fair.

“We are truly honored and delighted to receive the Gold Medal at the Royal Winter Fair for Bufetta,” said Doug Smith – Operations Manager at Natural Pastures Cheese. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, particularly our master cheese maker, Paul Sutter. His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in creating exceptional water buffalo milk products. We extend our gratitude to the Royal Winter Fair for providing a platform to showcase the best in Canadian cheese.”

The Royal Winter Fair is renowned for its rigorous judging process, making Natural Pastures Cheese’s Gold Medal win a significant achievement. This accolade further solidifies the company’s standing in the Canadian cheese industry and highlights its dedication to producing exceptional artisanal cheeses.

For more information about Natural Pastures Cheese and its award-winning Bufetta, please visit [website link].

About Natural Pastures Cheese: Natural Pastures Cheese is a distinguished artisanal cheese producer located in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada. Committed to crafting high-quality cheeses, the company focuses on using the finest ingredients and traditional cheese-making techniques to deliver exceptional flavors. Distribution is available through Lekker Food Distributors, Gordon Foods Services and select distributors across Western Canada and Ontario.

Media Contact: Media Contact Person’s Anyssa Jane – General Manager, Natural Pastures Cheese cheese@naturalpastures.com 250-334-4422

https://www.assistexpo.ca/results/rawf/5/803

For other results:

2023 Goat, Sheep, Water Buffalo & Mixed Variety Cheese Competition
Show Results – The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – 2023 (assistexpo.ca)

It has won Gold/ 1. Place in the category of Feta or Feta Style – Natural with or without brining