{"title":"Empire Cheese","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/Vendor_Profile_-_Empire_Cheese.png?v=1780499191\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEmpire Cheese Co-op is a proudly local, farmer-owned cheese producer dedicated to crafting high-quality cheeses and homemade products rooted in generations of tradition and craftsmanship. The company’s history dates back to the late 1870s when the first Empire Cheese Factory was established on the farm of John Haig, the area’s first cheesemaker. Over the decades, the business evolved through generations of skilled cheesemakers and continued to grow alongside the local dairy farming community.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 1953, following the amalgamation of the Empire and Kimberley cheese factories, the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op facility was established. Owned by local dairy farmers and operated as a cooperative, Empire Cheese continues to uphold the highest standards in food safety and production as a HACCP-registered facility. Combining heritage recipes, premium ingredients, and community-focused values, Empire Cheese continues to deliver authentic, handcrafted products that customers know and trust.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cheese-cream-approx-200g","title":"Cream Cheese (~160g)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCow's milk cream cheese.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43038024696046,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CREA-7777-FRES","price":7.87,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/products\/IMG_20220608_084804441.jpg?v=1654694386"},{"product_id":"cheese-sliced-swiss-6-slices","title":"Swiss Cheese","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe option of six slices of locally made Swiss-style cheese, or a 12oz (300g) piece!\u003cbr\u003eLevel up your sandwiches!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Sliced (6 slices)","offer_id":43754292838638,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-SWIS-SLC7-FRES","price":9.37,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Block ~12oz","offer_id":43754292871406,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-SWIS-WDGE-FRESH","price":13.5,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/products\/IMG_20220608_084738144.jpg?v=1654694524"},{"product_id":"cheese-2-year-extra-old-white-cheddar-approx-225g","title":"2 Year Extra Old White Cheddar Cheese (~12oz)","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerfect with a slice of apple, or on your cheese board!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43753922494702,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-2YR7-FRES-0340","price":15.34,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20251126_132109712_MP.jpg?v=1764183325"},{"product_id":"cheese-smoked-gouda-approx-225g","title":"Smoked Gouda Cheese (~200g)","description":"\u003cp\u003eTry grating this over your baked potatoes, or mixing it into your mac \u0026amp; cheese!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43038084989166,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-GOUD-SMK7-FRES","price":10.91,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20251126_132218053_HDR.jpg?v=1764183401"},{"product_id":"cheese-feta-approx-340g","title":"Feta Cheese (~200g)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCow's milk feta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43126975594734,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-FETA-7777-FRES","price":10.1,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20251126_132019860_MP.jpg?v=1764183222"},{"product_id":"cheese-mild-cheddar-1","title":"Medium Marble Cheddar Cheese ~ 12oz","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43753897066734,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-MEDI-FRES-0340","price":12.33,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20260114_115028016_HDR.jpg?v=1768418438"},{"product_id":"cheese-5-year-supreme-cheddar","title":"5 Year Supreme Cheddar Cheese - 12oz \/ 340g","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43753960603886,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-5YR7-FRES-0340","price":20.29,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20251126_132158484_HDR.jpg?v=1764183161"},{"product_id":"cheese-mozzarella","title":"Mozzarella Cheese - 12oz \/ 340g","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43754141941998,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-MOZZ-FRES-0340","price":9.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/products\/Cheese-MozzarellabyEmpireCheese2_940x_20fc8074-8991-4a67-832f-8cfd0a73c3d6.jpg?v=1682439323"},{"product_id":"cheese-parmesan","title":"Grated Parmesan Cheese (~250g)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44793025757422,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-PARM-GRAT-FRES","price":13.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20230425_113730050.jpg?v=1682443124"},{"product_id":"caramelized-onion-cheddar-cheese-8oz","title":"Caramelized Onion Cheddar Cheese  ~12oz","description":"\u003cp\u003eA special treat, lovely on a cheese board or just on toast!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47002905837806,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-ONIO-FRES-0230","price":14.85,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20250917_104133326_HDR.jpg?v=1758554862"},{"product_id":"cranberry-cheddar-cheese-8oz","title":"Cranberry Cheddar Cheese  - 8oz","description":"\u003cp\u003eA special treat, lovely on a cheese board or just on toast!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first Empire Cheese Factory was built in the late 1870s on the farm of John Haig who was the first cheesemaker. The second cheese factory was built just to the east of the present factory. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the fall of 1952 the Kimberley Cheese Factory burned and in 1953 Empire and Kimberley amalgamated forming the current Empire Cheese \u0026amp; Butter Co-op. That same year, the current cheese factory was built.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, the Empire Cheese Co-op is the only cheese manufacturing plant operating in Northumberland County and the first one east of Toronto! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpire Cheese is owned by local dairy farmers who hold an election each year to vote in a Board of Directors to run the factory.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47003063451886,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-CRAN-FRES-0230","price":11.58,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/IMG_20250917_103654312_HDR.jpg?v=1758560721"},{"product_id":"sliced-medium-cheddar-6-slices","title":"Sliced Medium Cheddar - 6 Slices","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt Empire, our cheese is made in the traditional way in open-style vats which in our opinion gives the cheese and curd a better flavour. We use no additives to boost production and there are no flavours added to our Cheddar. It is all natural, with no preservatives added.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe cheese is vacuum-packed in our modern facilities to preserve the special flavour. A true mix of tradition and modern technology to give our customers the best product possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Empire Cheese","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47864851890414,"sku":"EMPI-CHES-CHED-SLC7-FRES","price":7.87,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/files\/original_6082be6c-1a3a-4b12-b7e8-ce03b0ea303c_IMG_20260408_122736408_HDR.jpg?v=1775665798"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1991\/9785\/collections\/Vendor_Profile_-_Empire_Cheese.png?v=1780499222","url":"https:\/\/grazeandgatherfood.ca\/collections\/empire-cheese.oembed","provider":"Graze \u0026 Gather","version":"1.0","type":"link"}