A proposal to rebrand cheeses such as Feta, Gruyere and Gorgonzola has gained the support of an Orange-based cheese maker and a retailer.
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The call from rebranding came from the European Union, which requested the protection of 172 foods and 236 spirits as geographical indications as part of a trade deal with Australia.
Red Chili Deli owner Ayoma Gooneratne and Second Mouse Cheese Company owner and head cheese maker SJ Pienaar said they supported the re branding of the cheeses.
I think it's wrong to rip off the European brands.
- Second Mouse Cheese Company owner SJ Pienaar
"In my opinion I think it's not such a bad thing," Mrs Gooneratne said.
"I am quite happy with that position if people want to make a Feta Style or Gruyere Style that will stop any type of misappropriation or confusion."
Mrs Gooneratne said she sells cheeses that are "dinky-di" and are imported from the regions the varieties originated from.
"These cheeses they have been made in those countries," she said.
"The quality of the cheeses are completely different.
"If people go to the supermarket and buy the Grana Padano it won't necessarily taste the same.
"The milk tastes different in different countries and the method used could be different as well."
Mrs Pienaar from Second Mouse Cheese Company said the potential name ban was an opportunity for Australian producers to distinguish themselves on the international stage.
"The way we are seeing it from the perspective of a boutique producer we see it as a good thing," Ms Pienaar said.
"I think it's wrong to rip off the European brands."
She said there could be more room to educate people about the origins of traditional cheeses, where they come from as well as showcasing what Australian producers are doing.
"We are viewing this more as an opportunity than a threat," Ms Pienaar said.
In my opinion I think it's not such a bad thing.
- Red Chili Deli owner Ayoma Gooneratne on a potential name change to a swag of cheeses.
"We are thinking about the next step and feta [branded as Fetta at Second Mouse] is a big one.
"I think we would look for a new name."
She said the cheese company has a lot of interaction with its customers and already has uniquely named cheeses including Frieda, Heni and Rooby Blue but some of a larger producers might face more challenges.
The Agrestic Grocer also sells boutique cheese and co-owner Danielle Martin said the success of rebranding would come down to marketing.
Tanya Marschke
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
I am based at Orange and cover a wide range of subjects as well as the weekly business column. I've worked consistently in the the media industry since 2006 including the past seven years at the Central Western Daily. Before moving to Orange, I worked as a journalist at weekly newspapers the Beaudesert Times and the Gold Coast Sun in Queensland, as well as the Scone Advocate in the Hunter Valley. I started my career at the Ridge News in Lightning Ridge while I completed my journalism studies remotely at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst.
