inStorebuyer - May 2012 - (Page 90)

cheesecorner INNOVATIONS IN DELI CHEESE Cheese on the Rise Specialty cheeses continue to grow in popularity. With restaurant trips down, natural and organic foods on the rise and shoppers still wanting a gourmet meal for less, make specialty cheeses in the supermarket a go-to item. Use the tools on hand and seek out new ways to improve your specialty cheese sales. Grasp the opportunity to increase revenues through the consistently growing popularity of specialty cheeses. Specialty sells According to Nielsen Perishables Group, almost 70% of US households make service deli cheese purchases. Shoppers average roughly 15 trips to the instore deli annually. Deli cheese accounts for 19.8% of deli department dollar sales. In the 52 weeks ending September 22, 2011, specialty cheese accounted for 64% of this category (7.4% growth). Domestic natural cheese production rose 3.2% in 2010 to 10.4 billion lbs, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Natural cheese volume has increased to 14.1% over five years, though processed cheese production decreased 3.1% to 2.1 billion lbs in 2010. In the same timeframe, pro- cessed cheese production was down 6.8%. Selling specialty cheese — and putting the time and effort into merchandising it — makes sense. Promotion avenues The best and most cost-effective way to promote specialty cheese is through displays. Bright and vibrant signage will draw shoppers’ eyes to the cheese case. Once they’re there, provide shoppers with multiple reasons to purchase. Work with your suppliers on interesting signage and promotions that they offer, and proactively promote your specialty cheese offerings. As foodies slowly but surely break out of the minority, gourmet cooking and ethnic recipes at home are becoming the norm. Offer shoppers recipes that utilize the cheeses you offer as a way of building rapport with those who are experimenting in this new realm of cooking. Offering a diverse selection of dishes with different specialty cheeses ensures inclusion among shoppers looking for something different. Change up offerings monthly, or even weekly, to guarantee no consumer is left out. Most supermarkets don’t have the resources to staff a traditional cheesemonger, but educating one or more people on your deli staff will more than make up for the time and effort Reasons for Specialty Cheese Growth • More US citizens traveling abroad and trying unique varieties of cheese. • US restaurants offering a cheese course (a time-honored European tradition). • Greater access to a wide variety of cheese. • An increased interest in ethnic food. • The overall trend of US consumers desiring more variety and robust flavor in food. • Education from retailers, foodservice and cheese organizations on the use of unique cheese. • Successful merchandising of specialty cheese is a key factor in the growth of the retail market for specialty cheese. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center | 90 | inStorebuyer | May 2012 |

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of inStorebuyer - May 2012

inStorebuyer - May 2012
Editor's Note - The Foodie Generation
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Frontline news - Dawn to Unveil Cake Boss-Inspired Cakes
Frontline news - Enter America’s Best Raisin Bread Contest
Frontline news - Food Lion Launches Brand Strategy
Frontline news - Finalists to Compete at IDDBA Challenge
Frontline news - BJ’s Rolls Out Farm to Club
Frontline news - Rice Creates Nutrition Column
Frontline news - WinCo Enters Arizona Market
Foodservice Retail - Cooking Schools
Foodservice Retail - Partnering With Celebrities
Foodservice Retail - The Breakfast Club
Baking & Decorating - Gourmet Cookie Diversity
Baking & Decorating - Artsy Cake Writing
Baking & Decorating - Harris Teeter Puts the Icing on the Cake
Bakery Development - Cookies Remain Strong
Deli Development - Deli Salads Provide Summer Growth
Hot Times for Foodies
From the Instore to the Aisle
Garden of Opportunity
Staffing Chefs Makes Sense
Food Safety - Safety Steps
Health & Nutrition - Spring Season Produce
Cheese Corner - Comfortable and Adventurous
Cheese Corner - Cheese on the Rise
Product Trends
Product Showcase
Marketplace Network
Ad Index

inStorebuyer - May 2012