cheese trends | Dairy Foods

Cheese has a post-pandemic recipe for success

Cheese’s natural role in home-cooked meals and multiple eating occasions helped drive growth at retail, even as foodservice sales declined.

Anna Boisseau

May 5, 2021

The past year has been a rollercoaster ride for the cheese category. While the COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced demand for cheese in foodservice, the category's growth at retail was extensive, notes Kelly Slentz, associate brand manager, cheese for La Farge, Wis.-based Organic Valley.

Convenient cheese formats rule

Cheese processors also will find growth opportunity in snackable options and adventurous flavors.

Kathie Canning

May 11, 2020

For decades, the story surrounding the cheese segment has been one of very strong growth, both at retail and foodservice. The category's versatility and abundance of varieties have worked in its favor, even as other dairy categories have weathered ups and downs.

2019 State of the Industry report: Cheese has a favorable deck

As it continues on its winning streak, the cheese category is doubling down on innovation and more.

Kathie Canning

November 8, 2019

Cheese has the advantage, you might say, as U.S consumers' love affair with it continues to flourish.

Bold, convenient cheese formats are trending

Zesty flavors, on-the-go packaging and easy-to-use formats could help grow the cheese category.

Kathie Canning

May 8, 2019

Tasty and versatile, cheese has long been a favorite food and ingredient of U.S. consumers. But recent sales data suggest the cheese segment has been struggling a bit, at least at retail. Dollar sales within the retail processed cheese category fell 3.7% to $2.8 billion during the 52 weeks ending Jan. 27, 2019, according to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI. Unit sales declined by 4.1%.

2018 State of the Industry report: Cheese is a standout on the gridiron

Convenient offerings, adventurous flavors and natural positioning should keep cheese on top of its game

Kathie Canning

November 8, 2018

Although its growth at retail has slowed down in recent years, the natural cheese category is still gaining yardage. Dollar sales in the total category rose 1% to $12.9 billion during the 52 weeks ending Aug. 12, 2018, data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI show. Unit sales increased 1.5%.

Exclusive cheese study: Investing in trends with traction

To grow cheese sales, respondents to our 2018 Cheese Outlook Study are looking to all-natural formulations, smoked flavors and more.

Kathie Canning

March 7, 2018

When it comes to cheese trends with staying power for 2018, think all natural, artisanal and organic. Those are the top three cheese-related trends, according to Dairy Foods' 2018 Cheese Outlook Study.

Artisan cheesemakers talk cheese trends, flavor inspiration

Dairy Foods spoke with two artisan cheese companies from opposite sides of the country about what’s trending in their category, what their most popular cheese flavors are and more.

Sarah M. Kennedy

October 5, 2017

Rogue Creamery is an organic artisan cheesemaker from Central Point, Ore., that specializes in producing blue cheese, cheddars and more. Websterville, Vt.-based Vermont Creamery is an artisan cheese company that specializes in fresh and aged goat cheeses, and fresh cow cheeses.

Three key trends shape the specialty and artisan cheese market

The specialty cheese category surpassed the overall cheese category in volume sales growth over the past year.

Sarah M. Kennedy

October 5, 2017

Specialty cheese sales are on the rise, noted Rachel Kerr, director of events and public relations for Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB), Madison.

Cheesemakers go for bold, convenient and authentic products

Millennials are helping to drive cheese innovations that focus on convenience, flavor and freshness.

Sarah M. Kennedy

March 21, 2016

Convenience, flavor, authenticity and freshness are key factors that will drive consumer cheese purchases in 2016, according to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Madison.