29 November 2017
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Macroom Buffalo Cheese wins big on the world stage
A cheese crafted by ‘Buffalo Man’ Johnny Lynch of Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella has been rated as one of the best in the world by a panel of 250 experts at the World Cheese Awards. Aldi’s Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Mozzarella received a Gold Award, competing against 3,000 cheeses from 30 different countries.
Produced for Aldi at Johnny’s farm in Macroom of West Cork, Aldi’s winning Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Mozzarella is available for just €1.99/€15.92 per kg. This is the third award it has achieved this year, after picking up 1 Gold Star at the Great Taste Awards and winning the Soft Cheese category at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards.
Ireland’s only buffalo farmer, Johnny Lynch and “Black Beauty”, a 750 kilo member of his West Cork herd of buffalo, recently starred in Aldi’s popular Italian themed television advertisement featuring the mozzarella cheese and highlighting Aldi’s increasing level of partnerships with Irish producers.
Welcoming the award, Aldi’s Group Buying Director Finbar McCarthy said, “We are delighted that our Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Mozzarella has been recognised as one of the leading cheeses in the world. It is a truly unique Irish artisan product that we are proud to have on our shelves. We offer a fantastic range of Irish cheeses that are second to none in quality and taste. This particular product; Aldi’s Specially Selected Irish Buffalo Mozzarella has won multiple awards at home and internationally this year, which is proof you don’t have to compromise on price to enjoy the best quality.”
Commenting, Johnny Lynch, of Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella said, “It is a tremendous honour to be recognised on the world stage. This award reflects the passion of our cheesemaking team and is a testament to the commitment and talent of our entire team.”
The World Cheese Awards are the largest cheese-only competition in the UK and Ireland. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are granted to those cheeses deemed worthy by the judging panel of international buyers, retailers, writers and cheesemakers.
Aldi is committed to growing its Irish supply base and increasing the number of Irish products available in its stores. In 2016 Aldi spent over €700 million with Irish producers, manufacturers and suppliers. Over 50% of Aldi’s sales come from products sourced from Irish based suppliers. Aldi recently increased its support for small Irish suppliers by reducing its payment terms to 14 days for suppliers that transact up to €300k annually with Aldi.
