Four industry experts give us their predictions on where cheese is headed
Terry Hudson
First Milk
"Consumers are moving towards healthier products with less salt and fat but they are not prepared to sacrifice any flavour. This is a real challenge for the cheese industry and one we are working on. I believe they want the same complex 'tasty' cheese and to be able to eat just as much, but with the knowledge that it is healthier."
Lactalis McLelland
"Consumers are more demanding now. When I started in the industry you really only had a choice of medium or mature Cheddar. Now you also have mild, extra mature, vintage etc. In the future, I believe the customer will still be looking for consistency in the product they buy. Cheddar cheese is a 'living product' and the challenge is to ensure that the flavour profile does not vary."
Fayrefield Foods
"Growth will continue to come from premium products offering real flavour. Subtlety and variety will be key, particularly cheeses that can deliver flavour whichever way they are consumed. Mature Cheddar is undoubtedly a growth area. Thirty years ago, the choice was very limited, now there is a huge choice of products across a wide flavour range."
Ashley Chase
"Cheese selection is becoming more like wine. Consumers want distinctive flavours and strengths to suit a specific purpose or occasion. We have also seen demand for more mature flavours rather than mild, mass-produced varieties. Consumers also want texture as well as flavour. Goats Cheddar is also a relatively untapped area and we have exciting ideas in development here."
Focus On Cheese
Terry Hudson
First Milk
"Consumers are moving towards healthier products with less salt and fat but they are not prepared to sacrifice any flavour. This is a real challenge for the cheese industry and one we are working on. I believe they want the same complex 'tasty' cheese and to be able to eat just as much, but with the knowledge that it is healthier."
Lactalis McLelland
"Consumers are more demanding now. When I started in the industry you really only had a choice of medium or mature Cheddar. Now you also have mild, extra mature, vintage etc. In the future, I believe the customer will still be looking for consistency in the product they buy. Cheddar cheese is a 'living product' and the challenge is to ensure that the flavour profile does not vary."
Fayrefield Foods
"Growth will continue to come from premium products offering real flavour. Subtlety and variety will be key, particularly cheeses that can deliver flavour whichever way they are consumed. Mature Cheddar is undoubtedly a growth area. Thirty years ago, the choice was very limited, now there is a huge choice of products across a wide flavour range."
Ashley Chase
"Cheese selection is becoming more like wine. Consumers want distinctive flavours and strengths to suit a specific purpose or occasion. We have also seen demand for more mature flavours rather than mild, mass-produced varieties. Consumers also want texture as well as flavour. Goats Cheddar is also a relatively untapped area and we have exciting ideas in development here."
Focus On Cheese
No comments yet