A Sunshine Coast hinterland dairy, Maleny Cheese, celebrated its 21st anniversary of artisan cheese-making last week, marking the milestone with a special morning tea on Thursday, April 24. The event brought together staff, local dairy farmers, and supporters at the Maleny factory to reflect on the company’s journey through various challenges, including environmental and economic hardships.
Founded in 2004 by Markus and Sara Bucher, Maleny Cheese has weathered many storms, from droughts and floods to the COVID-19 pandemic and even an arson attack in 2019. Despite these obstacles, the company has thrived, thanks to its strong community partnerships and the resilience of its team.
Markus and Sara Bucher emphasized the importance of their team, the local community, and their partners in overcoming these challenges. “The Sunshine Coast dairy industry has a legacy that spans more than 125 years,” said Ms. Bucher. “We’ve been proud to be part of that legacy and to have contributed to keeping it alive through innovation and community support.”
Maleny Cheese has operated with a focus on a triple bottom line—balancing economic viability with social and environmental responsibility. The company has supported the local economy by creating jobs, sourcing ingredients locally, and reducing its carbon footprint through solar energy and sustainable practices. Additionally, it has maintained the architecture of its 21-year-old building.
The Buchers also highlighted the strong relationships they have developed with other family-run dairy processors in the region, including Maleny Dairies, Kenilworth Dairies, Woombye Cheese, and Maleny Food Co. These partnerships have helped bolster the company’s resilience over the years.
In addition to running Maleny Cheese, the Buchers operated their own dairy farm for over a decade and developed a boutique milk transport business that continues to supply processors across Queensland. Despite significant changes in the industry, they remain confident in its future.