instore - August 2017 - 17

specialty insights

items authorized takes
very long in many cases,
and sometimes the shelf
life is also tricky."

Variety,
selectivity

When it comes to the packaging
of imported cheese, premium
design and convenience are top
of mind for U.S. retailers, Roettger
says. As for another front-burner
trend - clean-label, and health
awareness in general - Bergland
is well positioned.
"Our lines are all natural and
rBST-free, therefore everything
from Bergland is absolutely in line
with this trend," Roettger says.
"Obviously we are trying to make
sure that we can deliver this to
our retail partners as well as the
American consumers."

Savencia's new line of imports draws on the expertise of a veteran cheesemonger.

Imports tell a story

behind the cheese counter who are equally passionate about the products we're bringing to shoppers."

At Austin, Texas-based retail chain Whole Foods Market, the selection
of imported cheeses varies depending on the store and market, says
Cathy Strange, the company's global cheese buyer.

A Personal Touch

But the popularity of imports isn't in doubt, Strange says: at any given
time, most Whole Foods stores carry more than 100 cheeses from
other countries, strengthening an already strong category.
"Domestic cheeses, with the increase of quality manufacturing, are
seeing solid growth, and the classic cheeses of the world continue to
hold market share," she says.
To promote imported cheeses, Whole Foods makes sure consumers know
where product is sourced from and that it's hand-selected, Strange says.
"We want our customers to know the story of each product, and the
partnerships in place with cheese producers everywhere."
In addition, Strange and others work hard to ensure that Whole
Foods' imported cheese program maintains other standards, she
says. Transparency, a focus on organic product and a commitment to
quality are all vital to the cateogry's success.
"We're extremely proud of our partnerships with all producers, the
selections we have in our stores and the talented cheesemongers

Coming to U.S. retailers this fall is a new line of signature French
cheeses from renowned cheesemonger Roland Barthélemy.
The Roland Barthélemy Signature Collection from Savencia Cheese USA
LLC, a subsidiary of French-based Groupe Savencia, features eight "haute
fromagerie" cheeses new to the U.S. Grocers including Whole Foods,
Wegmans and Fairway are expected to begin stocking the line this fall. It
will also be available at Murrays Cheese Shop, which was purchased in
February by retail giant Kroger.
The Barthélemy cheeses imported by Savencia Cheese USA, formerly
Alouette Cheese, come from artisanal cheesemakers, farms and small
shops throughout France, with each cheese reflecting its region's individual personalities, Barthélemy says. Offerings range from cheeses
aged in stone cellars to a double crème aged with a wine cork.
"This collection features delectable cheese with unique stories and
processes that previously were nonexistent in the United States."
The eight cheeses in the line include La Fromage au Bouchon, Le
Montagnard des Vosges, Le Bleu de la Boissiere, Le Severac, Esquirrou,
Etorki Reserve, Maroilles Fauquet and Boursault.

instore * AUGUST 2017 * 17

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of instore - August 2017