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When you think of cheese made in Canada, your first thought might be cheddar, mozzarella, or maybe even gouda. But here in Calgary, Alberta, a local company is making waves by bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Canadian homes. Chinook Cheese Ltd., an artisanal cheese manufacturer, is proud to be the only business of its kind in Calgary producing authentic Haloumi cheese, yogurts, ghee, and specialty dairy products - all made with 100% Canadian milk. The Story Behind Chinook Cheese Founded by Tarif Hamad, a Certified Food Scientist, MBA, and BSc in Chemical Engineering, Chinook Cheese was built from passion, expertise, and tradition. With over 11 years of experience and collaborations with academic institutions and dairy scientists in Canada and abroad, Tarif turned his dream into reality: creating a bridge between Mediterranean food heritage and Canadian innovation. As Tarif puts it: “Haloumi is the cheese everyone loves - you can grill it, fry it, bake it, marinate it, or enjoy it fresh. It’s versatile, nutritious, and brings people together.”Today, Chinook Cheese is more than just a local producer - it’s a growing Canadian food manufacturer proudly supplying major retailers, local specialty stores, and diverse communities across the country. Our Signature: Haloumi Cheese If you’ve ever had a cheese that squeaks when you bite it, chances are it was Haloumi. A traditional Middle Eastern cheese known for its high melting point, Haloumi can be grilled, fried, or baked without losing its shape. This makes it one of the most versatile cheeses in the world - and at Chinook Cheese, it’s also our bestseller. Made from a blend of goat, sheep, and cow’s milk Perfect for grilling at BBQs or pan-frying for a quick snack Pairs beautifully with salads, bread, or as a protein alternative Whether you’re making a grilled cheese sandwich, a Mediterranean mezze platter, or a healthy vegetarian dish, Chinook Cheese’s Haloumi adds both flavour and authenticity. More Than Cheese: Yogurt, Ghee & Specialty Dairy Chinook Cheese doesn’t stop at Haloumi. Our product line also includes: Artisanal Yogurts – fresh, creamy, probiotic-rich, Ghee (clarified butter) – a staple in Mediterranean and South Asian cooking Other Specialty Cheeses – inspired by traditional recipes, perfected with Canadian milk By using locally sourced milk from trusted Canadian dairy farmers, we ensure quality, sustainability, and community support are at the core of every product we make. Why Chinook Cheese? Tradition Meets Innovation What makes Chinook Cheese different? Locally operated in Calgary, Alberta Combining Mediterranean traditions with Canadian innovation Focus on quality assurance, food safety, and consistency Partnering with Canada’s largest retail chains while staying true to artisanal roots We are not just a cheese company - we are part of a growing Canadian food story that celebrates diversity, innovation, and taste. Join the Chinook Cheese Community As Chinook Cheese continues to grow, our mission is simple: To deliver delicious, nutritious, and versatile Mediterranean-style dairy products that Canadians can trust and enjoy every day. We’d love for you to be part of our journey. Try our products at local specialty stores and major Canadian retailers Follow us on social media for recipes, inspiration, and updates Sign up for our newsletter to stay connected with the world of cheese Whether you’re a longtime cheese lover or just discovering the magic of Haloumi, Chinook Cheese is here to bring new flavours to your table. With a foundation of science, tradition, and community, we’re excited to be Calgary’s go-to name in artisanal dairy. So next time you search for “Haloumi cheese near me” or “Mediterranean cheese in Canada”, you’ll know where to look. Welcome to Chinook Cheese - where every bite tells a story.