Supermarket Perimeter - January 2022 - 39

Its other handcrafted cheeses include Garcia Baquero from
indigenous sheep in Spain, French heritage Couturier creamy goat
cheese, British specialty cheeses, Old Amsterdam gouda, Italian
Parmigiano Reggiano, French goat cheeses, Snofrisk spreadable cheese
imported from Norway and nutty-flavored Jarlsberg cheese, a US
favorite.
Evolving mindsets
As consumers grow more sophisticated in their tastes so does the
definition of cheese that's deemed to be " healthy. " Research from
Datassential demonstrates that " healthy " cheese can be many things.
Feedback shared that " healthy " indicates a reduction in stabilizers and
preservatives (60%), emphasis on calcium (57%) and protein (54%), and
no added colors or flavors (49%) or hormones (48%).
Research from the International Food Information Council found that
70% of consumers consider protein from plant sources as the healthiest;
24% report eating more plant-based dairy alternatives. More than four
in 10 consumers assume a product described as " plant-based " would be
healthier than one that is not.
This can also include delving into the inner workings of the
cheesemaking process such as in the use of one of four types of
rennet to coagulate milk, one of which uses genetic modification. Paul
McSweeney, professor of food chemistry at University College Cork
in Ireland and founder of CheeseScience.net estimates that 80-90%
of the cheese consumed by Americans contains some genetically
modified rennet.
Saputo USA Cheese Division, Lincolnshire, Ill., offers a range of
cheeses including organic and non-GMO cheeses for those consumers
with non-GMO on their radar. For those looking for the right cheese
for the right application, Saputo offers its Product Performance Center
in Wisconsin. Here, culinary experts can help replicate real world
scenarios for the home and commercial kitchen using the company's
mozzarella, blue cheese, gorgonzola, ricotta, provolone, hard loaf,
Swiss, feta, goat, organic, non-GMO, pressed and imported cheeses.
Grabbing attention
Keeping cheese front and center with consumers entails finding new
applications that respond to the needs of varied audiences. This
includes the introduction of a growing range of functional cheese,
crunchy snacks and bars and plant-based cheese spreads, according to
Glanbia Nutritionals, Shanghai.
Keeping with the evergreen trend of convenience, Sargento,
Plymouth, Wis., offers on-the-go single-serving snack packs. Balanced
Breaks contain Sargento cheese with snackable accompaniments that
include a choice of Triscuits, original or tomato & basil Wheat Thins or
Ritz crackers.
The company's Sweet Balanced Breaks are designed to satisfy a
cheese craving accompanied by a touch of sweet. These single-serve
offerings combine Sargento cheese with dried fruits, chocolate and
peanut drops, yogurt-covered raisins and/or graham crackers.
In addition to its shredded, sliced and block cheeses, the
company also offers Reserve slices and shreds. Aged up to
18 months, the natural Cheddar and Swiss cheeses offer
enhanced meltability with the addition of real cream.
supermarketperimeter.com
JANUARY 2022 - 39
Solving needs
Known as a category well-versed in solving needs, cheese can be the
perfect partner for value. A recent IDDBA webinar pointed out that the
deli, which trends toward transparency with consumers, is perceived to
be cheaper than eating outside the home.
With inflation just below 5%, the highest rate in 12 years, the
impression of a price increase is what consumers personally see or
feel, cautioned Jonna Parker, principal, fresh center of excellence, IRI,
Chicago. Trading up then becomes more about than the brand itself to
also include the overall experience. This combination can benefit the
cheese counter when setting price points, particularly with premium
options that warrant a higher price. Parker suggested retailers look at
elasticities and promotional strategies to better demonstrate how the
trade-up is worth it to consumers.
This includes refining messaging and the careful positioning of
existing products to avoid alienating current customers. Retailers
looking to compete can also add high-value benefits and eliminate
attributes that cost more than they are worth to shoppers, taking full
advantage of the buyer overlap between the deli service case, pre-sliced
and grab-and-go.
Remaining out in front
It's imperative to catch the consumer's eye, particularly among those
who are ready to shift into browsing mode again. Smart merchandising
instore can help consumers make in-the-moment snack and meal
decisions. Additional measures include the employment of helpful and
educated staff to answer questions, increasing sampling and demos,
and capitalizing on everchanging social media trends. Forums such as
TikTok are a new favorite among food influencers with up to threeminute
videos, perfect for showcasing new recipes, regionality and
ongoing concepts of transparency and originality.
Constant connectivity also means news travels fast. The naming of
the World Champion Cheese as part of the Asturias Paraiso Natural
International Cheese Festival 2021 made the winner, a Spanish goat's
cheese Olavidia Quesos y Besos made in Andalucía, an overnight
sensation with worldwide demand.
TC Transcontinental's
focus is on finding
sustainable packaging
solutions for the
cheese industry.
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