Production and quality

We are one of the leading cheese producers in Germany and our cheese factory is one of the most modern plants in Europe. We use highly specialised equipment to manufacture our products for the fresh and processed cheese sectors. In addition to our cutting-edge technology and high standards of hygiene, the care and attention our employees invest in their work is of paramount importance in ensuring the quality of our cheeses. Every day, we manufacture quality you can taste.

Processed cheese

Processed cheese is made from hard, semi-hard and soft cheeses. Our Milkana processed cheese is made primarily from cheese we have produced ourselves – using good, honest milk from right here in the Allgäu. Making our own cheese from local milk means that we retain complete control over the quality of the materials we use. And that’s how we make sure our Milkana processed cheese achieves its unique taste, creaminess and high quality standards.

Fresh cheese

We use milk that has been pasteurised and homogenised for our Bresso fresh cheese. The first step in the process is coagulating the milk with the help of rennin and lactic cultures. This coagulated milk is then put through a centrifuge to separate the fresh cheese curd and whey. The fresh cheese curds obtained through this process are then mixed with other ingredients, such as aromatic herbs. In the last step, we use a gentle, specialised process to give our fresh cheese its exceptionally smooth and airy texture.

Spreads

First of all, we mix preheated milk and cream with other ingredients. This mixture is then heated further and acidified slightly using a special method. During this process, the proteins in the milk and the cream join together. This is what makes the Brunch range so exceptionally spreadable. Our master cheesemakers call this process coagulation. Before we pour the resulting mixture into the final packaging, it is pasteurised and homogenised. Treating the mixture with temperature and pressure this way guarantees that Brunch will spread perfectly every time. Finally, we add ingredients to create the different varieties of Brunch – like spicy paprika and chilli pepper! Alternatively, we put it straight in the tub for original-flavour Brunch.

Quality

Since our company was founded in 1892, it has been our aim to provide our customers and commercial partners with top-quality products that meet the highest standards of safety. The way we see it, quality also includes reliability and maintaining a good working relationship with our customers and suppliers.

Quality

Quality is important to us, and we ensure that our products meet the very high standards required and expected by both consumers and our commercial partners. Our products are regularly awarded the DLG Gold distinction, and our quality standards go above and beyond those required by law. Our entire production chain fulfils these high standards – from the selection of raw materials to our hygiene standards and production technologies all the way through to the careful analysis of the end products in our laboratories.

Certifications

We meet our customers’ high requirements by regularly undergoing comprehensive certification in accordance with IFS, ISO 45001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and EMAS III standards. In all our processes, we work in accordance with the HACCP systematic risk assessment method.

TPM

The implementation of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) in 1996 marks a huge efficiency milestone for us. At Edelweiss, TPM is integrated into every part of the company with the aim of avoiding all kinds of losses through continuous improvement. However, TPM at Edelweiss represents more than just the reduction of losses: it’s the starting point for sustainable development and a model for integrated business operations. Every day, our employees develop both large and small solutions that drive us forward step by step. We want to continuously improve in everything we do.

Edelweiss was one of the first milk-processing companies to receive a TPM Excellence Award from the Japan Institute of Plant Maintenance. In 2006, we even received the Advanced Special Award for TPM Achievement to recognise our implementation of the complete TPM system – an honour rarely accorded to companies outside of Japan.