Every week the cheese market in Edam is opened by a prominent figure from the area or from the cheese world. On July 17, none other than our own CONO director Jerry Griep was allowed to open the cheese market. He did this by ringing the bell of the Cheese Weighing House. Quite an honor!

Jerry has now been general manager for a year and has been with CONO Cheese Makers for 12.5 years. Opening the cheese market is therefore a wonderful way to celebrate this anniversary.

Opening the cheese market

The day began at Edam's Town Hall, where Jerry was welcomed by the alderman, members of the cheese market and, of course, cheese girls, among others. After which the company continued to the original square in front of Edam's historic weigh house accompanied by Kaaskapel Edam.

Before Jerry officially opened the cheese market, he thanked those present for the invitation, told a bit about the cheese world and expressed his appreciation for the cheese market. Then he rang the bell and the cheese market was officially open.

The spectacle of the cheese market

Members of Edam's Cheese Carriers Guild, in their characteristic white costumes and straw hats with color ribbons, bustle to and fro with full cheese berries. Farmers and merchants fuss over the price, which they ultimately determine with the time-honored hand-to-hand combat. After the sale is closed, the cheese is inspected in front of the public, weighed in the weighing house and transported from the market to the warehouses.

So it was up to Jerry to take part in unloading, or throwing the cheese, tasting and, of course, trading the cheese. A beautiful piece of history that comes back to life on eight Wednesdays in July and August.