Our Master Cheese Maker: Ivan Matte In The Beginning: Ivan was born in Winchester, Ontario in 1955 where he grew up with the cheese industry. His grandfather, father and brother were all involved in the art of cheese making and from a very early age Ivan honed his skills as a master cheesemaker by working weekends and after school for his parents in the cheese business. After graduation Ivan attended Kempville Collage where he learned about grading and testing the many varieties of cheese. He was always intrigued by local cheese competitions and award shows back in the sixties and a keen competitive desire to be the best cheesemaker was instilled in him. He worked for Balderson Cheese and Eganville cheese in Ontario. We should note that his brother Norm also worked with Eganville Cheese and was the British Empire award winner five times. On The Personal Side: In July 1983 Ivan married a young lady from Perth, Ontario. Ivan and Sue moved to B.C. in August of the same year. He has been in the BC Cheese industry since then. They have two daughters, Nicole and Danielle whom we are told have their daddy's nose for great cheese. Ivan enjoys sports and is a Montreal Canadians hockey fan. Awards Awards Awards Ivan has won many awards in the cheese industry the most current being Grand Champion open class for mild cheddar at the British Empire Cheese Show, (the largest in Canada). Ivan says he is very competitive by nature so entering cheese competitions is what makes his cheese the award winners they are. As he so aptly puts it, "I don't enter to come in second". Cheese is Ivan's life. He considers it an art form in which he takes a lot of pride. Ivan loves talking to people about his work and cheese. Drop by soon and talk with Ivan and sample some of his art.