Monte Fresco Cheese is more than just a brand; it’s a story of passion, dedication, and a commitment to authentic Italian cheesemaking. Founded in 2015 by Sam Montalto, Monte Fresco Cheese carries on a family tradition that spans generations, bringing the rich flavours of Sicily to Australia.
The Montalto family’s journey began in Sicily, where Sam’s grandfather mastered the art of cheesemaking, passing down his knowledge and skills through the generations. When Sam’s father, Salvatore, arrived in Australia in 1959, he quickly established himself as a skilled cheese artisan. Starting his career at Brancourts, he introduced Australians to ricotta cheese when it was relatively unknown. His expertise and dedication to quality helped transform the Australian cheese industry, earning the Montalto name a reputation for excellence.
Carrying forward this legacy, Sam Montalto founded Monte Fresco Cheese to continue his family’s tradition. Despite being a relatively young company, Monte Fresco quickly made its mark, winning Gold Medals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for its signature ricotta. This recognition is a testament to its dedication to quality, authenticity, and the artisanal approach it brings to every batch of cheese.
While ricotta remains its star product, Monte Fresco Cheese has expanded its range to include other beloved cheeses such as ricotta, farm cheese, feta, and halloumi. Each cheese is crafted with the same expertise and passion, ensuring that customers experience the authentic taste of tradition with every bite.
At Monte Fresco Cheese, the commitment to quality goes beyond just making cheese—it’s about preserving a family legacy and sharing the love of authentic, handcrafted cheese with Australians. Their story is of heritage, craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
From their family to yours, Monte Fresco Cheese invites you to experience the taste of tradition, one bite at a time.
Monte Fresco Cheese uses only the finest ingredients to craft its artisan cheeses. Our ricotta includes fresh cow’s milk, whey, vinegar or natural citric acid, and a touch of salt. No preservatives or additives—just pure, traditional, high-quality ingredients for the perfect taste.
At Monte Fresco Cheese, we are committed to sustainability by sourcing fresh, local ingredients, reducing waste, and using eco-friendly packaging. Our dedication to responsible dairy practices ensures high-quality cheese while caring for the environment. We strive for a greener future—one delicious bite at a time
Delicatessen Shop
Monte Fresco Cheese follows traditional Sicilian cheesemaking methods, using high-quality ingredients and artisan techniques to produce award-winning cheeses with authentic flavours.
Our ricotta is made using traditional techniques passed down through generations, carefully curdled and hand-crafted to achieve its signature creamy texture and rich taste.
We use high-quality, locally sourced cow’s milk to ensure freshness and consistency in all our cheeses, from ricotta to haloumi and beyond.
The cheesemaking process varies by type. Soft cheeses like ricotta can be made in a few hours, while aged cheeses take weeks or even months to develop their full flavour.