Say “cheese” with more DTRI cheeses
Say “cheese” with more DTRI cheeses
by Kristel Hope Villafuerte

Mention UPLB and the next thing that comes to mind are its most iconic pasalubong and treats. 

Yes, we are talking about chocolate milk, yogurt, and kesong puti!

Dairy products from the Dairy Training and Research Institute (DTRI) have always been top billed by this triumvirate.

With recent developments, will these three be dislodged from the top rank soon?

Well, let us wait and see how DTRI’s new line of products – cheddar, chilli cheddar, brie, and blue cheese – will fare in the market!

These artisanal cheeses could become the next stars of grazing platters if the excitement from cheese lovers is to be the basis for how the public will receive them.

When DTRI posted about the new cheeses on Twitter, netizens could not contain their excitement at getting a taste of the new DTRI products.

The post garnered over 3,000 likes and was shared by a good number of cheese connoisseurs; Dr. Amado Angeles, DTRI director, could only express gladness for the warm reception from the public.

Producing new cheeses amid crisis

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”

This proverb might have inspired DTRI when it found itself with more milk than it could dispose of in the midst of the pandemic.

According to Angelo Tapia, DTRI deputy director and head of the Dairy Technology Division, they developed these aged cheeses because they needed to make the most out of their surplus milk when the pandemic hampered sales.

They did attempt to keep on producing cheese that are already among their line of products, including fresh mozzarella and kesong puti. However, both have short shelf life.

They decided to develop aged cheeses to use the excess milk, and voila! DTRI now has new products that they are very much proud of.

Their effort to avert unacceptable wastage amid the lockdowns is paying off and DTRI now has eight cheeses.

Innovation and assistance to dairy farmers

Director Angeles said that the rise in internet fame for the new cheese line was a happy offshoot of a crisis.

But it is very much in line with his vision of innovation and to ensure that DTRI remains relevant to the public.

He said that DTRI needs to raise the bar for and spearhead the developments in the industry.

DTRI also has to continue helping local dairy farmers and cooperatives because aside from product development, it buys milk from them even at higher prices during the pandemic.

They were able to help several farmer cooperatives in the production of milk and yogurt, as DTRI’s processes are made public for those who want to go into these industries.

The cheese line is going to be released in a few months this 2022 as production is conducted on a smaller scale while its cheese facilities are awaiting renovation and repair.

Until then, let us reserve our best “cheese” smile for when we are documenting the milestone of the launching of these new cheeses from DTRI.

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