Australia's most scathing food critic has divided his followers by “dancing on the grave” of a beloved local cheesemonger.
John Lethlein, who has written restaurant and food reviews for major Australian newspapers and magazines for more than two decades, criticized King Island Dairy in his latest article.
Canadian owner Sabuto announced last month that the 120-year-old Tasmanian cheese shop will close permanently by the middle of next year, leaving 58 employees out of business.
The future of the business has been cloudy for 10 months after launching a strategic review of the facility, which produces gourmet cheeses such as Saputo Brie and Blue Vein.
King Island's dairy operations began in the early 20th century and are one of the largest employers on the small island of 1,600 people.
Lethlein described King Island Dairy's Brie as “trash” and “lacking character” in his scathing post.
“The recently announced corporate demise of King Island Dairy should not have been a surprise to anyone who loves cheese,” Lethlein began in his final note.
Cheeses are always garbage, what I call brie here… industrial salt is the only thing you look for in a soft, white moldy cheese.
The popular Australian food critic has divided his followers by dancing on the grave of a beloved local cheesemaker.
John Lethlein, who has written restaurant and food reviews for major Australian newspapers and magazines for more than two decades, criticized King Island Dairy in his latest article. The short, sharp takedown was posted alongside an unflattering photo of a piece of cheese sweating on crumpled aluminum foil.
Pity.'
The brief, blunt takedown was posted with an unappealing photo of a sweaty hunk of cheese on crumpled aluminum foil.
Lethlein divided his fans with his scathing criticism.
Bellarine Smokehouse, a premium smoked fish brand, poked some Swiss-sized holes in their comments.
Canadian owner Sabuto announced last month that the 120-year-old Tasmanian cheese shop will close permanently by the middle of next year, leaving 58 employees out of business.
“Dancing on people's graves with the disappearance of a half-functioning business on an island is really not good. I was brought up to believe that if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything writing a business account in Melbourne.
'This is the biggest employer on a very small island… What do you expect people to do now?
'You can ask questions about our central government's foreign ownership rules for primary producers. That discussion would be very relevant…'
Lethlion retired his powerful pen from The Australian in 2022, then found himself in hot water in 2023 for rude comments he made about a maid.
Lethlein divided his fans with his scathing criticism of cheese.
The comment received 46 likes, but Lethlyn also received support for her comment.
'I'm very glad to hear from you. “I always thought it was more bland than something very bland,” one wrote.
'This writing of the publication reminds me of how much I want to read Lethlyn in Aus.[tralian] Now there is a void at mealtime, which I don't know if it will be filled soon,” added one of his fans.
Meanwhile, a third man asked Lethlin, “Is this a review of you?”
Lethlein retired his powerful pen from The Australian in 2022, then found himself in deep trouble in 2023 for scathing comments he made about a maid.
“The maître d'/meet and greeter wears an outfit that threatens to expose more than just her inexperience when she bends down to set the table,” Lethlein announced in his review of the Perth restaurant in Delicious last year.
She was forced to temporarily delete her Instagram after widespread backlash from the hospitality industry and the general public.
Meanwhile, Saputo chief operating officer Leanne Cutts said the decision to end the iconic Tasmanian business was a difficult one.
He said “all possible options” had been reviewed but that closure was the most likely way to strengthen Sabuto's competitiveness in a changing market.
“Given King Island Dairy's historic roots in the area, the strategic review is expected to identify a potential buyer for the facility,” Ms Cutts said.
'It is a unique brand, a plant that is almost 100 years old.
Although King Island Dairy products hold a nostalgic place in the hearts of Australians, the brand has not maintained its position in today's fiercely competitive food industry.
King Island's dairy operations began in the early 20th century and was one of the island's largest employers, employing around 1,600 people.
Sabuto acquired King Island Dairy in 2019 as part of its acquisition of Lion Dairy & Drinks' cheese business.
He confirmed that 58 employees would be affected, but that “reemployment opportunities” would be identified where possible.
Cutts said Sabuto would work with dairy farmers and the wider community on the island.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Sabuto's decision was extremely disappointing.
“We are providing immediate support to the company's workers, farmers and the island community in general,” he said.
Rockliff said the state government was willing to work with the company to find a new operator.
Saputo describes itself as one of the world's top 10 milk processors.
King Island has a unique climate due to its location and provides the cows with lush green pastures and unusually sweet milk.
Seer Cheese, formerly known as Coon Cheese, owned by Saputo, bought most of Warrnambool's cheese and butter a decade ago.
