Australia’s most acidic food critic says beloved brand unthinkable as it closes its doors for good after 120 years

Australia’s most acerbic food critic has divided his followers by “dancing on the grave” of a beloved local cheese maker.

John Lethlean – who has written restaurant and food reviews for Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines for more than two decades – skewered King Island Dairy in his latest article.

The 120-year-old Tasmanian cheese factory will close its doors for good in the middle of next year, Canadian owner Saputo announced last month, leaving 58 employees out in the cold.

The company’s future had been uncertain for 10 months after Saputo launched a strategic review of the plant that produced fine cheeses like brie and blue veined cheese.

King Island Dairy’s operations began in the early 1900s and are one of the largest employers on the small island, home to 1,600 people.

Lethlean described King Island Dairy’s brie as “rubbish” and “devoid of any character” in his scathing post.

“The recently announced demise of King Island Dairy should have come as no surprise to anyone who loves cheese,” Lethlean began his latest missive.

“Cheese have always sucked and this so-called brie I have here…completely devoid of any character, unless all you’re looking for in a soft, white mold cheese is industrial salt.

The famous acid-tongued Australian food critic has divided his followers by “dancing on the grave” of a beloved local cheese maker.

John Lethlean – who has written restaurant and food reviews for Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines for more than two decades – skewered King Island Dairy in his latest article. The short and sharp takedown was posted alongside a rather unappetizing photo of a piece of cheese sweating into crumpled foil.

‘Awful.’

The short and sharp takedown was posted alongside a rather unappetizing photo of a piece of cheese sweating into crumpled foil.

Lethlean divided her fans with her stinking criticism.

Premium smoked fish brand Bellarine Smokehouse has punched Swiss-sized holes in its comments.

The 120-year-old Tasmanian cheese factory will close its doors for good in the middle of next year, Canadian owner Saputo announced last month, leaving 58 employees out in the cold.

“Dancing on people’s graves with the demise of a company that employed half the island is really not a good idea. I was raised to believe that if you don’t have anything nice to do say, don’t say anything,” the Melbourne business account wrote.

“It’s the largest employer on a very small island… what do you expect people to do now to make a living?”

“Perhaps you should ask our federal government about the rules regarding foreign ownership of primary producers. This discussion would be much more relevant…’

Lethlean withdrew his mighty pen from The Australian in 2022, then found himself in a very heated situation over crude comments he made about a waitress in 2023.

Lethlean divided fans with her stinking cheese review

The comment racked up 46 likes, but Lethlean also received support for her views.

“I’m so happy to hear you say that. I always thought it was more bland than a bland thing that is really really bland,” one person wrote.

“The wordiness of this article is also a depressing reminder of how I long to read Lethlean in Australian about food and now there is a void that doesn’t seem to be filled any time soon,” said one diehard . fan of him added.

Meanwhile, a third asked Lethlean: “Is this a criticism of yourself?

Lethlean withdrew his mighty pen from The Australian in 2022, then found himself in very hot water over crude comments he made about a waitress in 2023.

“And the host wears an outfit that threatens to reveal more than just her inexperience as she bends over to set a table,” Lethlean wrote in an article promoting her review of a Perth restaurant in Delicious l ‘last year.

He was pushed to temporarily delete his Instagram after widespread backlash from the hospitality industry and the general public.

Meanwhile, Saputo chief operating officer Leanne Cutts said the decision to liquidate the iconic Tasmanian business had been difficult.

She said “all possible options” had been examined, but that the closure was the most viable way to strengthen Saputo’s competitiveness in an evolving market.

“As King Island Dairy’s historic roots run deep in the region, it was hoped the strategic review would identify a potential buyer for the facility,” Ms Cutts said.

“It’s a unique brand, with a factory that is almost 100 years old.

“(Although) King Island Dairy products hold a nostalgic place in the hearts of Australians, the brand has not maintained its position in today’s ultra-competitive food industry.”

King Island Dairy’s operations began in the early 1900s and are one of the largest employers on the island, with approximately 1,600 people.

Saputo purchased King Island Dairy in 2019 as part of its purchase of Lion Dairy & Drinks’ cheese business.

He confirmed that 58 employees would be affected but that “opportunities for redeployment” would be identified where possible.

Ms Cutts said Saputo would work with dairy farmers and the wider community on the island.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Saputo’s decision was very disappointing.

“We are providing immediate support to company workers, farmers and the wider island community,” he said.

Mr Rockliff said the State Government was prepared to work with the company in a further effort to find a new operator.

Saputo describes itself as one of the 10 largest dairy processors in the world.

King Island enjoys a unique climate due to its location and offers lush pastures for cows and unusually sweet milk.

Saputo also owns Cheer Cheese, formerly known as Coon Cheese, after purchasing most of Warrnambool Cheese and Butter a decade ago.