Geraldine Cheese Company — Local services in South Island

I feel compelled to share my experience at the Geraldine Cheese Company, as it has left me with a heavy heart. This is the first time I am addressing an issue of this nature, and I encourage others to consider the numerous accounts from individuals who have felt similarly, suggesting that there may be a pattern of behavior that cannot be overlooked.

During our visit, my wife and I browsed the shop, but the two ladies working there did not greet us, smile, or acknowledge our presence even though there was no one else there. While I initially thought this might be a simple oversight, things took a troubling turn when I approached the counter with our selections.

I greeted the lady at the register with a friendly "hello," but she looked right through me and asked, "Is that all?" I was taken aback by the lack of warmth in her response. As I gathered my thoughts, I remembered that we had purchased black garlic at a food show in Christchurch and noticed that their shop sold black garlic puree. Curious, I asked if they also carried black garlic.

Her response was disheartening. She pointed to the products behind me and said, "The ones at your back are all we have," adding that she had never heard of black garlic being sold. I tried to explain that it’s a unique ingredient that pairs wonderfully with mature cheddar. This prompted her to call over her colleague, and instead of engaging in a constructive conversation, they both ridiculed my inquiry. One of them remarked, “Yes, someone told me it tastes burnt and terrible,” while I was still at the register.

In that moment, I felt insulted and belittled. It was difficult to process the disdain that seemed directed at me. I even pulled out a photo of the product I was referring to, hoping to clarify my request. It was disheartening to feel that I was being dismissed simply because of my background.

This experience has highlighted a troubling reality: businesses need to recognize that people of all backgrounds can appreciate and know about cheese and culinary ingredients. It’s essential for establishments to create an inclusive atmosphere where every customer feels respected and valued. I hope that sharing my experience encourages reflection on how we can all contribute to a more welcoming environment for everyone, and that businesses like this one understand the impact of their actions, which can sometimes come across as...

Google remind me to review Barker's at my last visit, which remind me to review Geraldine Cheese company. before I did, I read the previous comments from Jeevan and I couldn't agree more, and that is also my reason I want to write this review. My partner and I love cheese and I walk past Geraldine Cheese before I rush back home in Christchurch. Nothing interesting or amazing in their cheese selection where I can't get elsewhere, but I still want to shop something to support local. There were a French family before me, they have got full customer service, while I been browsing for a while, had a couple of taste tests, I had no customer service whatsoever from their other staff who is not serving or doing anything. By the time I made my way to the counter after the family left, I ask for 1 block of chili blend cheese, the lady gave me one of the bigger block in that selection without any conversation, which of/c it cost more. I just paid and left. I left feeling unvalued, maybe discriminated and confuse. As you would understand, I would not come again (my usual spend on cheese at a specialist shop is above $100s) or recommend friend and family to check it out, as the shop it not even very noticeable. It is ashamed and is the reason why some town base shop are so popular and some other shop...

Went in yesterday as we had had rave reviews about this place from my aunt and were keen to get some decent cheese as a nice culmination of our road trip. Right from the start the surly older woman behind the counter made us feel very unwelcome and couldn't get us out of there fast enough. She really needs to find another profession if she begrudges engaging with the only two customers in the store. We bought some peppered harvati in the end as the cheese itself was delicious, but the service received really put a damper on the whole thing and we left feeling pretty...