Our surroundings
Cheese with a tradition

Rouveen Kaasspecialiteiten is located in the centre of the village of Rouveen in the municipality of Staphorst. Our cooperative dairy has been part of the community here for more than a hundred years. Unsurprisingly, we have learnt a lot in that time from local people, their culture, and their inclination towards both tradition and innovation. Our range of high-quality products proves that these two qualities go hand in hand.

Creativity

Staphorst traditional dress is famed throughout the Netherlands. Beautiful and colourful fabrics are handmade into costumes for daily wear. The costume is traditional and authentic, but also forward-looking. It is widely admired. Since 2013 Staphorster Stipwerk (a traditional method of fabric printing using specific patterns and colours) features on the National list of intangible cultural heritage (Nationaal Immaterieel Erfgoed). Staphorst fabric and costume can even be seen on the catwalk, being integrated into contemporary clothing.


‘Rouveen has a colourful identity’


Dairy culture

Rouveen and Staphorst have a rich dairy history. The area has long been home to cattle farmers who have moved with the times to continually refine their production process. In the 19th century most of the dairy farmers lived along the Oude Rijksweg and the Gemeenteweg, forming a long ribbon of farms. The milk was processed in 15 dairies situated along the same roads. These dairies no longer exist, but Rouveen Kaasspecialiteiten carries on the tradition.

Sustainability

It is important to us to produce cheese using sustainable methods. That means taking responsibility for each other and for the environment. Read more about our sustainability programmes or about the agreements we have made throughout the whole dairy chain.

Outdoor grazing

Cows grazing in a field: it is an enduring Dutch scene, one which we want to continue to see for years to come. We are happy to note that nearly all our cheese is made from milk from cows that graze on pasture. It has the Keurmerk Weidegang (a quality mark for grass-fed cattle).