In the fast-paced and ever-evolving foodservice industry, knowing the latest food trends can make all the difference to businesses that wish to remain competitive. Cheese is one of the most popular food products and has been a favorite for centuries, with its diversity of flavors, textures, and uses. There has been an exponential increase in the consumption of cheese in the US in recent years, and it is important to understand the drivers behind it.
In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions on US cheese trends and explore how food & beverage distributors can leverage this knowledge for their business. We will delve into the following sub-topics:
1. What is driving increased cheese consumption in the US?
2. What types of cheese are most popular in the US?
3. How is the US cheese market segmented?
4. How can food & beverage distributors leverage cheese trend insights in the US?
The US cheese market has seen considerable growth in recent years. According to the American Cheese Society, cheese sales in the US have grown to about $35 billion, with more than 36 million Americans consuming cheeses of all types. What is driving the recent surge in cheese consumption?
First and foremost, consumer palates and lifestyles are changing in the US. As the country grows more diverse, so, too, do the products that Americans consume. Cheese is a versatile food product that Americans are consuming in greater quantities both as a snack and as an element in dishes they are preparing at home. Additionally, availability, affordability, and convenience have made almost all varieties of cheese accessible to Americans.
Cheeses vary widely in terms of flavor, texture, and origins, and US consumers are becoming more willing to try and experiment with different types of cheese. American consumers are particularly interested in artisanal and speciality cheese, with sales of such cheese more than doubling in recent years. As the overall market for artisanal cheese grew, it propelled the growth in the traditional cheese category as well.
The standard classification of cheese segments it into hard and soft cheeses. Hard cheeses generally have an aged flavor, a sharper taste, and are used for grating and cooking. s of hard cheeses include Cheddar, Parmigiano Reggiano, Manchego, and Fawcett. Soft cheeses are milder, creamier, and typically spreadable. Soft cheeses include Feta, Brie, Mozzarella, and Cream Cheese. These days, the lines between hard and soft cheeses have become blurred as consumers are exposed to more varieties of cheese, e.g., semi-soft and semi-hard cheeses.
In addition to the traditional categories, the US cheese market can also be segmented into five categories: Latin, Italian, Mediterranean, European, and American specialty. Latin cheeses typically include soft, spreadable cheeses such as Queso Fresco, Cotija, Recaito, and Oaxaca. Italian cheeses include Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano. Mediterranean cheeses include Feta, Haloumi, and Sheep’s milk cheese. European cheeses consist of favorites like Gouda, Edam, and Emmental. Last but not least, there are the American specialty cheeses which include varieties such as Cheddar, Blue, and Gorgonzola.
Food & beverage distributors can leverage insights on cheese trends in the US to increase sales and enhance their operational efficiency. Distributors can use data to develop a deeper understanding of the ever-changing US cheese market and predict future demand. Distributors can identify the types of cheese with the highest demand and devise specific strategies to best serve those customers. Distributors can also use data to identify specific cheese types that operate in unique markets and use this information to make choices about where to allocate their resources.
Finally, distributors can tap into a wealth of insights on cheese trends by leveraging the services of knowledge providers such as Brizo. Brizo’s comprehensive and detailed dataset provides in-depth menu data, restaurant technology coverage, sales prospecting insights, and market intelligence that allow distributors to accurately assess, predict, and adapt to the changing US cheese market.
The ever-evolving US cheese market presents numerous opportunities for food & beverage distributors who wish to remain competitive. By understanding and leveraging the latest cheese trend insights, distributors can make informed decisions that will maximize their sales and operational efficiency.
