Natural Pastures Cheese Company has become a quiet anchor of Canada’s artisan food scene, producing award-winning cheeses from its longtime factory on Vancouver Island. Anyssa, the General Manager at Natural Pastures Cheese Company in Courtenay, BC, oversees daily operations at the 25-year-old, family-owned business. Natural Pastures was the first Canadian manufacturer to introduce water buffalo cheese to the country, and continues to work closely with local farmers and skilled production teams to craft high-quality cow-milk and buffalo-milk cheeses.
What is your business called and what does it do?
The Natural Pastures Cheese Company is an award-winning Canadian artisan cheese manufacturer based in Courtenay, BC. It is owned by 3 brothers who have developed the business over the past 25 years. They still run the business.
We produce high-quality cow-milk and water buffalo-milk cheeses at our cheese factory and operate an on-site Artisan Cheese Shop, allowing customers to purchase cheese directly from where it is made.
Many of our cow and water buffalo cheeses are also available at local food retailers in the deli section and at specialty cheese shops across Canada.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always been drawn to food that tells a story — where it comes from, who made it, and how it connects people.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
This work allows me to support Canadian farmers while helping create food with integrity and purpose.
We were the first to bring water buffalo cheese to Canada, proving that exceptional, European-style artisan cheese can be made here while supporting local herds and skilled Canadian jobs.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele includes local families, food lovers, and visitors who shop at our Artisan Cheese Shop at the factory, as well as chefs, specialty retailers, and grocery partners across Canada. Our customers value quality, transparency, and supporting Canadian-made food.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We generate revenue through several channels: direct-to-consumer sales at our on-site Artisan Cheese Shop, wholesale and retail distribution through grocery stores and specialty cheese shops across Canada, and foodservice partnerships.
Behind the scenes, the business works because of strong collaboration across three teams. Our cheesemakers start early — often arriving as early as 4:30 a.m. — to begin production for the day. Our packaging team finishes the cheese, cutting, wrapping, smoking, and managing much of the logistics that get it safely to customers. Our administrative team supports operations, sales, and coordination. All three teams work closely together to make the cheese happen.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
You can find us at our cheese factory and Artisan Cheese Shop at The Natural Pastures Cheese Company in Courtenay, BC, Canada. It’s a working production facility where customers can see, learn about, and purchase the cheese made right on site — while also finding our products in delis and specialty shops nationwide.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: “Where is this cheese made, and where does the milk come from?”
A: Our cheese is made at our Courtenay factory using milk from water buffalo and cow herds located on Vancouver Island. Buying our cheese supports Canadian farmers, skilled production teams, and a fully traceable food system.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best part: Seeing people connect with our cheese — especially when they realize how many hands and how much care go into making it every day.
Worst part: The constant challenges of food manufacturing and logistics, but those challenges are balanced by the pride of producing award-winning cheese here in Canada.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
“I work at a cheese factory — it’s a pretty great way to make a living.” 🧀
Where can we follow you?
You can follow The Natural Pastures Cheese Company on Instagram and Facebook, visit our website, shop our cheeses at your local deli or specialty cheese shop across Canada, or visit us in person at our Artisan Cheese Shop located at our cheese factory in Courtenay.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Honey Grove Bakery (Courtenay, BC) — their bread pairs beautifully with our butter and cheese, and they share our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and community.
