Our honest and true story
At Beemster® we make the tastiest cheese with care. Together with our farmers and cheesemakers. We believe in a sustainable future, from cow to cheese. CONO Kaasmakers' Caring Dairy program is an important part of this vision. This program focuses on four themes: Animal Welfare, Climate, Biodiversity and Farmer & Society.
Within these themes, our farmers work on 18 different sustainability indicators so they can focus on what best suits their business. Our fair and true story has several steps, we call them chain steps. Some of these steps we are happy to explain to you on this page.
As an A-brand, we bear the responsibility to distinguish ourselves not only in taste and quality, but also in sustainability. Since 2002 we have been rewarding our farmers for outdoor grazing and with the renewed Caring Dairy program we are taking further steps in sustainability. This concerns every step in our chain. Together we are ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the tastiest cheese.
- Jerry Griep, Managing Director CONO Cheese Makers
In the meadow
On the farm
Cheesemaking
Transportation and transportation
Happy cows, the best milk
At Beemster®, our cows graze in the pasture as often as possible. On average, they enjoy fresh grass 185 days* a year, 10 hours a day. This is good for the cows, the milk, and therefore good for our cheese.
We work with herb-rich grassland, without artificial fertilizers. This makes the soil healthier and attracts more plants and insects. Our farmers also take care of meadow birds by mowing later and creating wet areas.
This keeps nature in balance and allows us to make the most delicious cheese.
*Grazing results CONO Cheese Makers for 2025.
Sustainable farming, better cheese
Our farmers work every day to make their businesses more sustainable. Through the Caring Dairy program—the longest-running sustainability program since 2008—they are taking smart steps for the climate and the environment.
For example, some farmers use a manure digester, which generates electricity and heat and reduces methane emissions. Nearly 30% of our 370 farmers already use solar panels and wind turbines, just like farmer Groen. That green energy is then used in our cheese factory.
Caring Dairy: caring for cow, climate and nature
Beemster® is all about good farming. With the Caring Dairy program, our farmers are working toward a sustainable future.
Animal welfare - Our cows graze outside as much as possible and receive the best care. In the barn, they have soft bedding and cow brushes for extra comfort. Happy cows, better milk.
Climate & energy - Smart feed, more grazing and clover in the grass reduce emissions. In addition, many farms generate their own green power with solar panels and windmills.
Biodiversity - Herb-rich grasslands, flowery field edges and meadow bird management keep nature in balance. Good for bees, butterflies and the soil.
Farmer & Society - During Day at the Farmer, our farmers open their doors to visitors. A look behind the scenes, fun activities and of course tasting the tastiest cheese. Many farmers also offer care and education. On care farms people find a nice place to participate in farm life. Schools are welcome for farm lessons, where children learn about animals, nature and food in a playful manner.
This is how we ensure a healthy future together!
Sustainable & artisanal: this is how we make Beemster® cheese
Our cheese is made in a cheese factory where modern technology and craftsmanship go hand in hand and where we still stir the curds by hand. We take our time to make the tastiest cheese, just the way it should be.
Sustainable by nature - We make our cheese in the most sustainable way possible. That means less water consumption, smart energy solutions and conscious choices in every step of the process.
Craft remains - Despite the latest techniques, we stick to our traditional method of preparation. Because making real cheese is done with care, time and attention.
So Beemster® remains not only the tastiest, but also a responsible choice.
Sustainable on the road: from milk to cheese
At Beemster®, we think beyond the cheese-making process. Every step counts.
Smart milk transport - Our first fully electric milk truck collects fresh milk daily, with no CO₂ emissions.
More efficient cheese transport - By switching from plastic crates to cardboard boxes, there are 60% fewer transports. This saves water and energy.
This way Beemster® cheese reaches the stores in a responsible way.
Sustainable chain
Beemster® cheese is a brand of CONO Cheesemakers, a small cooperative with a big ambition: to leave the world step by step better for the next generation.
Together with our farmers and cheese makers, we work every day to create a sustainable chain. Want to see how we do that? Discover all our projects, stories and initiatives on the Sustainable Chain page at cono.nl.