Kamil Perry
Bandon cheese is a pasteurized cheddar made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. It is made in Bandon, Oregon, a town with a rich history of cheese-making that dates back to the 1800s. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the branding of Bandon cheese, as some consumers have been confused about whether it is made in Wisconsin. While Bandon cheese is not made in Wisconsin, the state has a thriving cheese-making industry, with a long history of producing numerous varieties of cheese, including Brick and Colby, which originated in Wisconsin.
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What You'll Learn
Bandon cheese is made in Bandon, Oregon
Bandon's history of cheesemaking dates back to the 1800s, with 10 large cheese makers and many small Farmstead producers in the area during the 1880s. The town experienced several fires in the early to mid-1900s, but the community's dedication to cheesemaking persisted. In 1936, a fire caused by gorse, a bush with high oil content, burned down much of the town, including the cheese-making building. Despite this setback, cheesemaking was restarted, reflecting the resilience of Bandon's cheese tradition.
The Bandon Cheese Factory, located on Highway 101, was a well-known landmark and a source of pride for the town. Visitors and residents alike toured the factory, witnessing the handmade artisan style of cheesemaking that Bandon was known for. In 2000, the factory was purchased by a larger cheese maker, who subsequently shut it down and demolished the building. This loss was felt by the community, and many wondered about the fate of the iconic cheese factory.
Despite the closure of the original Bandon Cheese Factory, Bandon cheese continues to be produced. In 2000, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) purchased the cheese cooperative in Bandon, including the factory and its brand name. However, they faced challenges with milk supply and quality, leading them to move production to their facility in Tillamook, Oregon, and later to Columbia River Processing in Boardman, Oregon. Despite the production relocation, Bandon cheese retains its association with the town and its dairy heritage.
Today, Bandon cheese is still made in Oregon, honouring the traditional cheesemaking techniques of the region. The new Face Rock Creamery, located on the site of the original Bandon Cheese Factory, pays homage to the town's cheesemaking history. Sourcing milk from the nearby Scolari Family Dairy in Coquille, Face Rock Creamery continues the legacy of crafting high-quality cheese in Bandon, Oregon.
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Bandon cheese is made with milk from the Coquille River Valley
Bandon has a long history of cheesemaking, dating back to the 1800s. During the 1880s, there were 10 large cheese makers in the area, as well as many small Farmstead producers. In 1914, a fire burned down much of the town's architecture, but the residents of Bandon persevered and rebuilt the town, continuing the tradition of cheesemaking. In 1936, another fire struck the town, but once again, the residents of Bandon persevered and restarted cheese production.
In 2000, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a farmer-owned dairy cooperative headquartered in Tillamook County, Oregon, purchased the cheese cooperative in Bandon. TCCA owns the Bandon cheese trademark and has continued to produce Bandon cheese at its facilities in Tillamook and Boardman, Oregon. Despite the change in ownership and production location, Bandon cheese is still made with milk from the Coquille River Valley.
The Coquille River Valley's unique terroir and history of dairy production have contributed to the distinct character and flavour of Bandon cheese. Bandon cheese's connection to the Coquille River Valley is a source of pride for the region and a testament to the area's rich dairy heritage.
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Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) purchased the Bandon Cheese Factory in 2000
Bandon, Oregon has been home to cheesemaking since the 1800s. In 1936, a fire burned down the town's cheese-making building. However, the building was rebuilt, and it eventually became known as the Bandon Cheese Factory. This factory was a regional landmark and a tourist attraction, where visitors could watch the handmade artisan style of cheesemaking and sample the final product. In 2000, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a farmer-owned dairy cooperative, purchased the Bandon Cheese Factory and its brand name. TCCA is headquartered in Tillamook County, Oregon, and manufactures and sells dairy products under the "Tillamook" brand name.
After purchasing the Bandon Cheese Factory, TCCA encountered several issues. They found that the local milk supply was insufficient in volume and did not meet their quality standards. Additionally, they faced controversy when their lawyers warned several South Coast businesses with "Bandon" in their names that they might need to change their names to avoid confusion with the Bandon Cheese brand. This controversy made international news, particularly in Bandon, Ireland, a 400-year-old town with a long history of dairy farming.
Due to the challenges faced, TCCA decided to move the production of Bandon Cheese to their facility in Tillamook, Oregon, and later to their subsidiary, Columbia River Processing, in Boardman, Oregon. They continued to operate the visitor's retail store in Bandon for several years, but it eventually closed down in 2005 due to dangers from the deteriorating building. Despite these changes, TCCA remains committed to honouring the Bandon cheese heritage and continues to produce Bandon cheddar, which is sold in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
It is worth noting that there was some confusion regarding the origin of Bandon cheese after the purchase by TCCA. Some consumers assumed that Bandon cheese was made in Bandon, Wisconsin, as the packaging mentioned "Oregon Coast Cheese" without explicitly stating the product's origin. This led to accusations of deceitful marketing, although no official complaints were filed. In 2003, TCCA changed Bandon's official name to "Oregon Coast Foods" to address this confusion.
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Bandon cheese is pasteurized cheddar
In 2000, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) bought the cheese cooperative in Bandon, Oregon, and began producing Bandon cheese at their facility in Tillamook, Oregon, and later at their subsidiary, Columbia River Processing, in Boardman, Oregon. However, they encountered issues with milk supply and the quality of the production facility, which did not meet their standards for creating a consistent product.
In 2012, a new cheese factory was approved to be built at the site of the former Bandon Cheese Factory, marking a moment of redemption for the city, which had mourned the loss of the original factory. The new factory, owned by Face Rock Creamery LLC, would produce hand-cheddared loaves of sharp, medium, and mild cheese, cheese curds, and specialty cheeses.
Despite the closure of the original Bandon Cheese Factory, Bandon cheese continues to be produced and sold at retailers throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Bandon cheese is pasteurized cheddar that has endured through changes in ownership and production facilities, maintaining its presence in the market and honouring the cheesemaking heritage of Bandon, Oregon.
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Wisconsin has a rich history of cheese-making, with over 250 varieties
Bandon cheese, on the other hand, is made in Oregon. Bandon, located on the Southern Oregon Coast, has a long history of cheese-making, dating back to the 1800s. The town was once home to several large cheese makers and many small Farmstead producers. The Bandon Cheese Factory, located on Highway 101, was a regional landmark and a tourist attraction. However, in 2000, the factory was purchased by a larger cheese maker, who subsequently shut it down and demolished the building.
Despite the closure of the original Bandon Cheese Factory, cheese-making in Bandon continued. In 2000, the Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a farmer-owned dairy cooperative headquartered in Oregon, bought the cheese cooperative in Bandon, along with the Bandon Cheese trademark. TCCA moved the production of Bandon cheese to its facility in Tillamook, Oregon, and later to its subsidiary in Boardman, Oregon. However, due to issues with milk supply and production facilities, TCCA eventually discontinued the production of Bandon cheese.
Today, Bandon cheese is produced by Face Rock Creamery, located on the site of the original Bandon Cheese Factory. Face Rock Creamery was established through a partnership between the city and private investors, with head cheesemaker Brad Sinko, who has been making cheese in the area for over 20 years. Face Rock Creamery sources milk from the nearby Scolari Family Dairy in Coquille to produce 10 varieties of cheese, including Vampire Slayer Garlic Cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Bandon cheese is made in Bandon, Oregon, and has been since the 1800s.
Federal law bans companies from misleading consumers about where a product originates. However, Tillamook, the company that owns the Bandon cheese factory and trademark, has been criticized for not being transparent about the cheese's Oregon origins.
Bandon cheese is made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. The milk comes from the Scolari Family Dairy in nearby Coquille, which is known for its nutrient-rich waters.
