Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024 - 62

Cheese: Gouda
and snacking tips, we strategically promote Roth cheese year-round,
and our success is driven by the strong performance of Roth Original
Gouda and the growth of our innovative flavors, which reflect consumer
demand for new and exciting flavors from their specialty and deli
cheeses. "
The strong snacking and eat-at-home trends have been among the
drivers of rising demand for gouda and for cheese in general at grocery
Crystal Farms launches
gouda snack item
retail, Wentz said.
" The demand is not only for cheeseboards-it includes recipe
applications as well. "
Strong demand
The gouda category is strong, said Marcel Vantuyn, managing director
of Beemster, producer of the only PDO (Protected Designation of
Origin) North Holland Gouda available in the US and Canada.
" There's a ton of curiosity around cheese and gouda, " Vantuyn said.
" Grazing tables are hugely popular right now, and that has opened up a
whole new audience for us, as well as for supermarkets. "
More and more retailers are adding grazing tables to their catering
options, Vantuyn said, creating an added source of business for
Beemster and other producer's gouda products.
" Now that consumers know that there is so much more to gouda
than red wax cheese, they're seeking it out. "
Beemster has made it its mission to educate North American retailers
and consumers about what an authentic Dutch gouda " is all about, "
Vantuyn said.
The company's cheeses are all naturally aged on wooden planks,
which develops a great flavor and texture profile over time, he said.
" We've developed a line of Gouda that retailers can build an entire
program around and offer shoppers an experience that they can explore
during multiple store visits. "
From sweet and subtle young gouda to robust and rich aged options,
" there's a Beemster for everyone, " Vantuyn said.
And there are plenty of different directions for grocery stores to take
gouda in when it comes to merchandising, he added.
Beyond highlighting the snacking and cheeseboard applications, for
instance, retailers can develop recipes that incorporate an authentic and
aged gouda.
" Deli sandwiches, a grilled cheese program, mac-and-cheese, salads
- gouda has old world European cachet, yet it's also approachable, "
Vantuyn said. " Switching out the standards that everyone knows
reinvigorates these menu options. "
Sustainable commitment
Beemster cheese is already certified as Climate Neutral, and the
company is now on a path to be Climate Positive by 2030, Vantuyn said.
" Every year, there are many very exciting developments that bring
us closer to that goal. From initiatives on the farms, like biodiversity
programs and green renewable energy, to transportation innovation
and efficient cheesemaking, our 360° approach to sustainability is
prevalent throughout our entire cooperative. "
Sustainability has always been front and center for Beemster, he
added, and the company is excited to see how invested consumers and
retailers are in environmental initiatives.
62 - MAY 2024
" It's an honor for us to make cheese that's really delicious and also
meets these consumer values. "
There have been a lot of changes in how stores merchandise cheese,
Vantuyn said, and with sustainability in mind, Beemster has decided to
print less signage.
That said, the company still wants to support its retail partners with
interesting and informative POS.
Beemster has developed a QR code sign for each of its cheeses as a
link to digitally delivered content, Vantuyn said.
The stores print and display the signs, and the shoppers can scan the
code with their phones to download a product-specific brochure with
recipes and pairings.
" It's a great marketing piece that lets us be agile in supporting both
our products and our retailers, and the reception has been fantastic. "
supermarketperimeter.com
Gouda Snack Cubes are among the new
products from Crystal Farms.
Snack Cubes in Gouda, White Cheddar,
Pepper Jack and Marble Jack significantly
bolster the company's snacking line.
Deluxe Melts, which come in Classic, Smoky
& Peppered, White American flavors and
Ghost Pepper, and new shredded blends
are among the other new products from
Crystal Farms.
" We surveyed and listened to our consumers
who wanted bold, spicy flavors and unique
items in the cheese aisle, " said Andrew
Cannon, associate director of marketing.
" We believe
this new lineup
of products
will appeal to a
broad spectrum
of consumers
seeking flavor
exploration and
convenience in
their meals and
snacks. "
Crystal Farms
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Supermarket Perimeter - May 2024

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