Our cooperative
The CONO Kaasmakers cooperative has been in existence for 125 years. Our cooperative of dairy farmers has become a leader in animal welfare, sustainability, and—of course—the tastiest cheese! At CONO, it all starts with the collaboration between cows, farmers, and cheesemakers. What unites us is our shared commitment to the highest quality, as well as our respect and care for one another. Together, we achieve more than we ever could on our own. We remain committed to this. Together, we are committed to a positive future for generations to come, doing everything we can to pass on our world to the next generation in a positive way.
Management & Supervisory Board
The Board consists of eight dairy farmers from the cooperative and determines the policy of CONO Kaasmakers. The Supervisory Board consists of five cattle farmers and two external supervisory directors. These Supervisory Directors supervise the Board's policy and give advice.
Our Cheese Factory
The CONO cheese factory is located in the Beemster polder. And has been called 'De Tijd' since 1929. With this name we make a promise: with the cheese factory we will contribute to a better world in a way that fits our origin and identity. We remain true to our traditions from the past, such as stirring the curds by hand and natural ripening. We will continue to make cheese the traditional way but with the most modern, sustainable equipment and techniques.
Management
Jerry Griep has been general manager of CONO Kaasmakers since July 2023. With his passion for quality, sustainability and cooperation, he is at the helm of our cooperative. Jerry works every day to strengthen the connection between our livestock farmers, employees, customers and consumers, with the goal of achieving the very best results together. Together with our dairy farmers and cheese makers, focus on the quality of the milk and cheese and therefore a fair milk price.
Under his leadership CONO Kaasmakers remains true to its rich history, while at the same time we build a future in which craftsmanship, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Jerry believes in the power of cooperation: together we make the tastiest cheese, a fair price for our farmers and a positive impact on people, animals and nature.
#IkbenCONO
With #IkbenCONO, we show what we stand for as a small cooperative. In this column, our farmers and employees share their stories about craftsmanship, sustainable choices and their work on the farm or in the cheese factory.
At CONO Cheese Makers, we believe that these stories not only inspire and motivate, but also contribute to a transparent and positive future. This is how we show who we are: a cooperative with pride, built on people who work together to make really good cheese.
Our history
In the Beemsterpolder, surrounded by cows, stands the cheese factory where cheese is still made just as it was 125 years ago.
Court supplier by order
In June 2001, Her Majesty the Queen Beatrix granted CONO Kaasmakers the right to carry the designation "By Royal Order Purveyor to the Royal Household. This honor only comes to companies that are at least 100 years old and have an exceptional track record.