Jensen Cheese, a name synonymous with quality and tradition in Ontario, has a story rooted in craftsmanship, passion, and the drive of one Danish immigrant who turned a family skill into a local staple.
Scott Jensen, the current face of Jensen’s Cheese, sat down to talk about the long-standing family business, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to a regional favourite.
The Beginning: A Danish Master Cheesemaker’s Dream
Photo of Arne Jensen’s Danish passport from 1925.
It all started in 1925 when Scott’s grandfather, a master cheesemaker, emigrated from Denmark.
Arriving in Canada with a wealth of knowledge and skill in traditional cheese making, he initially worked in cheese factories while learning English. During the 1930s, when money was tight, he was sometimes paid in cheese. Seeing an opportunity, he began selling his product door-to-door, developing a loyal following for his delicious, hand-crafted cheeses.
As business grew, so did his ambition. He acquired a truck and expanded his sales to local markets, and by the 1970s, the Jensen family had purchased their first cheese factory. It was the beginning of a new chapter, but the commitment to quality and artisan methods remained central to their approach.
The Art of Cheese: Tradition Meets Innovation
Photo of Arne Jensen and his son Eric, Scott’s father.
Over the decades, cheese-making technology has evolved, but at its core, the process at Jensen’s Cheese remains largely the same.
Cheese-making is still viewed as an art and they pride themselves in making cheese by hand and in open vats.
While larger industrial cheese factories focus on efficiency and volume, Jensen’s Cheese sticks to its roots. Their small-batch process allows for more attention to detail, meaning adjustments can be made on the fly—whether it’s tweaking the texture or the flavor.
This dedication to craft allows Jensen’s to produce a wide variety of artisan cheeses that appeal to customers who value the tradition and hands-on approach behind every bite.
Interesting Facts: The Role of Simcoe in Aging Jensen’s Cheese
Photo of the cheese currently stored in one of the coolers in Simcoe.
While many locals might assume cheese is made in Simcoe, the town plays a different, yet essential role in the business. Simcoe is home to the company’s aging and storage facility. Below the Evergreen Road location, Jensen’s Cheese houses around 8,000 boxes of cheese in three massive coolers, where the cheeses are stored and carefully aged to perfection.
While Simcoe may not produce the cheese itself, it’s where the final, magical transformation happens, solidifying the town’s place in Jensen’s storied legacy.
As Jensen’s Cheese continues to grow, they remain committed to the values and processes that began nearly a century ago.
For those who appreciate the rich history behind each bite, Jensen’s Cheese is a true Canadian gem.
Photo of the original cheese factory from 1867.
Seeds of Success Presented by Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer. Fueled by Kubota.
Written by Matt LeBlanc