OUR STORY
In 2011, we escaped to Velddrif, a coastal fishing town on the West Coast of Cape Town.
"With the lack of local, flavourful cheeses at reasonable prices, and our culinary background, it was easy to resolve that we were going to make our own cheeses."
It was here that Kokerboom Kaas was born...our venture into the world of cheese-making. Guided by the expertise of food scientist Leon Van der Westhuizen and his knowledgeable wife, Elaine, our cheese-making journey began to take shape. By August 2018, our cheese room was complete, and we commenced the production of our first cheese: a mouthwatering Feta with a Greek twist, infused with fresh coriander and red chili. This distinctive creation quickly gained popularity.
Our vision was to offer a range of cheeses that were not readily available in local supermarkets while infusing them with a distinct local flair. Today, we take pride in our extensive selection of superb cheeses, with some exceeding expectations. Our milk comes exclusively from the Golden Guernsey herd at Langrietvlei farm, supplied by Reuben Kotze. This Grade A2/A2 milk is meticulously selected to yield exceptional cheese while reducing the likelihood of lactose or other dairy intolerances.
In 2019, our creamery underwent significant transformations. We upgraded from a 15-liter pot to two 40-liter pasteurizers, expanded into the adjacent flat, installed three additional spacious 10°C fridges, and acquired an industrial vacuum sealer. The transition from small to semi-small-scale production was not without its challenges. We had to refine our recipes, implement new systems, and soon realized that the more cheese we made, the less free time we had.
Our dedication to the craft became all-consuming, with long hours stretching from 4 am to 10 pm daily, including market days on weekends, and affinage on Sundays. We have since continued to expand, now utilizing 80-liter pasteurizers.
Despite the demanding journey, several factors have made it all worthwhile. Our loyal clients, both commercial and private, have continually supported us. Additionally, the exceptional Lizana De Jongh and her team at the Hopefield Market have played a pivotal role in our success. We are thrilled to announce that Kokerboom Kaas has formed a partnership with the renowned Hopefield Market and Eat, creating The Foodie Hub, a haven for artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and accompaniments. This collaboration has elevated our ability to showcase our range of exceptional products.
Previously a Saturday affair, we have expanded our operation and now welcome customers from Tuesday to Saturday. This transition has provided us with an exciting opportunity to establish our permanent deli in Hopefield. Our presence in this vibrant market allows us to directly connect with cheese enthusiasts and culinary adventurers, providing them with a firsthand experience of our exceptional cheese varieties.
Our cheeses are all named after local creatures endemic to Velddrif.
Our cheeses turn a beautiful orange from the Beta Keratin from our salt and natural grazing post-drought. Breaking the drought meant natural grazing for the dairy herd.
The beautiful salt from Khoi San Salt in Velddrif, contains brine shrimp shell which is rich in Beta Keratin too – ask the Flamingos how they go pink!
OUR CHEESES
Our Stockists
Cheese @ Italios | 021 683 6949
Bokmakierie Wholesale Nursery | +27 84 717 5704
Farm 113, De Plaat, Velddrif
El Torro Internazionale Delicatessen | +27 83 690 1697
36 Stompneus St, Stompneus Bay, St Helena Bay, 7382
The Drunken Pecorino +27 84 240 0630
62 St Augustine Road, Paternoster, South Africa
Paternoster Xpress | 022 752 2621
1 St. Augustine Road 7381 Paternoster, South Africa
Spar Yserfontein 022 451 2628
1 Main Rd, Yzerfontein, 7351
CHEESE TASTINGS & SALES
Indulge in a tasting experience at Velddrif Village Market. Followed by an optional cheese room tour and cheese sales at our creamery!
Kindly note that the tour of our creamery and sales will be held at a separate location. We are excited to share our delectable products and show you where the magic happens
TASTINGS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT
MINIMUM 4 PEOPLE
Monday to Friday: 11am
Weekends: Strictly by appointment
We provide a range of cheeses for tasting with accompaniments at only R100 per person.
Taste between 9 and 14 cheeses depending on availability due to maturation level of cheeses.
Add a charcuterie tasting for R75 a person
Cheese Gift Vouchers are also available on request!
CONTACT US
Carolyn Malan: +27 82 563 4640
David Malan: +27 82 572 1822
Cheese Tastings:
Sales | Orders:
Whatsapp Hotline: +27 64 707 1597
EMAIL US
SHOP
Monday to Friday: 16:00 - 17:30
Other times: please phone to see if we are available as we are busy making cheese!
5 Waterkant Street, Velddrif
THE FOODIE HUB
Purchase the freshest of produce and a wide variety of freshly baked goods and hand-made artisan products. Taste and explore our large range of products.
Visit us in Hopefield:
Tuesday - Friday 09:00-16:00
Saturday 10:00 - 14:00
Enjoy a FREE market style tasting where you can explore our whole range.
