Zany Zeus - exclusive range with opening of first store

Press release

26 March 2012

Zany Zeus launches exclusive range with the opening of its first store

Fans of award-winning cheese-maker Zany Zeus are in for an exclusive treat with the opening of the company’s first store in Lower Hutt- just down the road from the milk and cheese factory.

The family-run business is owned and operated by artisan cheese-maker Michael Matsis and his sister Meropi. For the past 12 years the company has been producing top quality, boutique cheeses including halloumi and feta which are distributed to hundreds of cafes, restaurants and supermarkets throughout the country.

The store, located at 149 Randwick Road in Moera, Lower Hutt will officially open to the public on Saturday 31 March and will be open from 10-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.

For the first time, the entire Zany Zeus cheese range will be available to purchase in store including its well known cultured products – crème fraiche, mascarpone, cream cheese and sour cream– all of which will be sold in retail sized packages.

Zany Zeus will be launching a new range of smoked cheese which includes smoked brinza, smoked ricotta, smoked paneer as well as smoked yoghurt - the first ‘yoghurt’ of its kind available in New Zealand. A new range of gourmet yoghurt with fresh fruit toppings and marinated feta in herbs and oils will also be on sale. Customers will not only be able to indulge in the wide range of delicious handcrafted cheeses, but will also be given the opportunity to learn more about each cheese from Zany Zeus staff, as well as recipes, food matches and in-store demonstrations from time to time.

Zany Zeus will also be launching the latest addition to its range – its own premium ice-cream made with fresh organic milk and organic cream, available in a range of 14 unique flavours including cookies and cream, pistachio and almond brittle, feijoa, chocolate rough, sorbet flavours and many more. There will also be a soy ice-cream and soy snow freeze for people who are lactose intolerant. Over time customers will also be given the opportunity to watch and learn how the ice-cream is made by viewing the process through a glass window in the store. Fruit smoothies and milk shakes will also be on sale.

“We are very excited to be opening our first store because it gives us the opportunity to showcase the full Zany Zeus range which has been in development for a long time, especially given the huge demand and interest shown by our customers. We want to create an interactive experience for people so they can come in, learn about our cheeses, taste the different varieties, savour our delicious ice-cream or simply sit back and enjoy a coffee made with our own organic milk,” said Michael Matsis.

Of Greek heritage, Michael launched Zany Zeus in 2000 with his mother Lefki Matsis after several years researching and experimenting with the art of cheese-making. Michael has also picked up numerous Cuisine Champions of Cheese Awards throughout the years.

ENDS

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