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Grinning Gecko Cheese Co.
Established · 13 signalscheesemaker

Grinning Gecko Cheese Co.

Grinning Gecko Cheese Co. was an award-winning artisan cheesemaker based in Whangārei, Northland, founded by Catherine and James McNamara in 2013 · The company ceased production in early 2023, marking a significant loss to the NZ cheese scene Gold, Gold Medal · Winner, Champion Original Cheese Award

“s and goat”

Artisan QualityOperator PassionAuthentic SourcingPersonal ConnectionStory RichMoment of CareCraft ObsessionOriginal SourceHidden DiscoveryTradition PreservedEmerging momentumCommunity tractionLocal Secret

Their Story

Grinning Gecko Cheese Co. was founded by James and Catherine McNamara. Around six years prior to August 2019, Catherine, who had a background in human resources, began to explore a career change, eventually choosing cheese over chocolate after taking a cheese course. James, an engineer, joined her…

What They Make

  • Brie
  • Camembert
  • Farmhouse Caraway Seed
  • Farmhouse Cumin & Garlic
  • Farmhouse Hot Chilli
  • Feta
  • Halloumi
  • Hātea (Whero and Mā)
  • Kau Piro
  • Parihaka
  • Quark
  • Ricotta
  • Woolleys Bay Havarti
  • Truffle Brie

Awards & Recognition

  • Gold Medal — Gold
  • Champion Original Cheese Award — Winner
  • New Zealand's Top Cheesemaker — Winner(2017)
  • World's Biggest Cheese Competition — Awarded

More from Grinning Gecko Cheese Co.

Cheese Tastings and Production Viewing

How to Get Their Products

Direct Sales

81 Port Road, Te Kamo, Whangārei 0110, New Zealand

["Physical store","Farmers markets","Retailers"]

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