GB Fine Cheese & Charcuterie May 2015

Cheese is Still King 

It’s official, specialty cheese still reigns supreme as the top-selling specialty food category in the USA, according to the recently released report by the Specialty Food Association. Would you believe that we spent $3.7 billion on cheese in 2014? That’s a lot of milk! What I find interesting about the new statistics is that unit sales have only grown 3.3 percent between 2012 and 2014, while the total dollar sales have increased by 8 percent in the same period. That means that consumers are paying relatively more for the cheese they are consuming. I know that high milk prices have put pressure on margins, and while the larger suppliers may have been able to temporarily absorb the extra cost, it may mean that some producers are passing on the cost to consumers through higher prices. If the increased spending on cheese by consumers isn’t explained by higher milk prices, then it would be a signal to me that consumers are appreciating and buying more expensive cheese, which would bode well for the future of our industry. I am sure that some of the larger importers could shed some light on this since they would be able to sense a shift in sales for their pricier brands. 

If consumers are becoming more passionate consumers of cheese, then how can we continue to grow the business? Certainly, education will continue to be important. If consumers don’t know what the cheeses taste like, then they will not realize what they are missing out on – a great taste experience. The answer may also lie in accessorizing the sale by offering better-quality crackers, breads, nuts, dried fruits and condiments. I think that condiments have the potential to really enhance the cheese experience. James uncovers some interesting condiments in this issue that are worthy of your consideration (page 13), and may inspire you to add to your offerings. 

Keep up the good work, everyone! 

David Spencer
Publisher, Gourmet Business 

President, HousewaresDirect, Inc. 

dspencer@gourmetbusiness.com