Woolworths New Zealand unveils new names for its Feta-style cheeses

New Zealand – Woolworths, a major supermarket chain, has unveiled four new cheeses with familiar flavours and textures, but entirely new names.

This move comes in response to New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreement with the European Union, which stated that from 2033, the name “feta” can only be used for cheese originating from Greece.

Woolworths collaborated with New Zealand cheesemakers to develop and launch its distinctive range of feta-style cheeses.

The new products include Woolworths Crumbly Cheese, Woolworths Creamy Cheese, Woolworths Basil Pesto Flavoured Creamy Cheese, and Woolworths Goats Milk Creamy Cheese.  According to Woolworths, each name emphasizes the unique characteristics of the cheese it represents.

The Crumbly Cheese, inspired by traditional Greek-style feta, retains the crumbly texture and tangy flavour commonly associated with the original product.

Meanwhile, the Creamy Cheese, modelled after Danish-style feta, has a rich and smooth consistency that makes it ideal for dips and sauces. The basil pesto-flavoured version adds an aromatic touch, while the goat’s milk variety provides a distinctively mild and creamy option.

Andre Visser, General Manager of Woolworths Food Company, expressed confidence that despite the name change, customers will continue to enjoy the new range. He emphasized that significant collaboration with local cheesemakers has gone into ensuring the quality of these cheeses remains outstanding.

“We’ve worked closely with our cheesemakers to create a ‘feta-tastic’ range of cheeses that we think New Zealanders are going to love, even if the name on the packet has changed,” Visser stated.

To help customers adapt to these new names, Woolworths has placed informative signage across its stores, ensuring that shoppers understand the transition while still recognising the cheeses they love.

Woolworths cheese named Product of the Year in South Africa

Recently, Woolworths Mascarpone with Fig & Pecan Nuts, crafted by RFG Foods, claimed the coveted 2025 Product of the Year title at the South African Dairy Championships, held in Cape Town.

The winning mascarpone was praised for its creamy texture and innovative condiments, highlighting South Africa’s growing reputation for world-class dairy production.

The event, organised by Agri-Expo, celebrated 192 years of dairy excellence, spotlighting the industry’s finest offerings after a record 1,110 entries were evaluated by over 100 expert judges.

Subscribe to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa, Middle East and around the world. SUBSCRIBE HERE