Cheese (Fresh, Natural and Processed) 2012

Cheese 2012 - 2017 (Natural and Processed)

	AUSTRALIANS ENJOYED NEW CHEESE FLAVORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (posted December 26, 2017) Warrnambool Cheese & Butter released the Heritage Flavours range. The Aussie cheese company debuted Vintage Cheddar, Lightly Smoked Cheddar, Red Bell Pepper Cheddar and Maple & Toffee Cheddar in 200 gram blocks. When creating the new varieties, the company took into consideration the science behind contrasting flavor combinations. “With the new Heritage Flavours range we looked at how we could use different sweet, salty, spicy and creamy flavours to challenge the traditional cheddar and create flavour explosions in every mouthful,” says Philip Forbes-Pryer, product manager. “All of the cheeses have their own distinctive and exciting flavours, while still maintaining the high quality of the Warrnambool Heritage brand.” Maple & Toffee flavored cheddar is a blend of sweet and savory, while the red bell pepper flakes pressed into the matured club cheddar provides a more subtle spicy sweetness in the Red Bell Pepper Cheddar variety. The Lightly Smoked Cheddar has a smoky depth and complexity. The classic Vintage Cheddar is both rich and complex. For more information, link HERE.

	LARGER CHEESE SHREDS FOR A SMOOTHER MELT (posted December 12, 2017) Dairy Farmers of America debuts Borden Cheese Thick Cut Shreds. Despite being the largest segment within the retail cheese category, the shreds segment typically has lacked innovation and product advancement. Borden Cheese is shaking up the relatively unchanged segment with new shreds featuring a thicker cut for a smoother melt. Each individual shred is five times as large and almost two times the weight of a regular-cut shred. Available in Mild Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Mozzarella and Mexican, Thick Cut Shreds provide an excellent source of calcium and are perfect for blanketing casseroles, skillets and cold-weather comfort foods with creamy, delicious flavor. “Borden Cheese is committed to fueling American families, and our new offerings uphold our ongoing commitment to provide quality, wholesome dairy, packed with nutrition and flavor the whole family will enjoy,” says Flavia Panza, senior director of marketing at Dairy Farmers of America. “Families are busier than ever and looking for simple, convenient mealtime solutions. We’re excited to introduce these new offerings to add wholesome dairy goodness to dinnertime.” Known for the iconic Elsie the Cow, the popular heritage brand continues to focus on product innovation and staying relevant within the cluttered market. With the new packaging graphics rollout earlier this year, the recent introduction of Snack Bars and now Thick Cut Shreds and a strong pipeline of new products launching in 2018, Borden Cheese continues its dedicated efforts toward reinvention of the century-old brand name, including new TV advertisements and a strong digital and social presence. For more information, link HERE.

	AUSSIE CHEDDAR GETS FLAVORED (posted November 14, 2017) Trugman-Nash rolls out Old Croc Flavored Cheddars. Crafted with Old Croc’s Australian cheddar, Trugman-Nash’s new line of flavored cheddars comes in four varieties. They are: Horseradish, Bacon & Jalapeño, Roasted Garlic & Herb, and Chipotle & Onion. The award-winning cheddars are the result of nearly 18-months of intense product development by the team at Trugman-Nash. “The time spent developing our wonderful new line of flavored cheeses was, without a doubt, time very well spent,” says Ken Meyers, president. Old Croc’s four new flavored cheddars combine the signature bold “bite” of their Australian sharp cheddar with a hearty blend of today’s favorite flavors. In addition to their great taste, these flavorful cheeses are made with non-GMO ingredients with no added hormones. The cheese come in 6-ounce chunks, 6-ounce pre-sliced shingle packs, and 12-ounce and 24-ounce variety trays. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM CHEESE BRAND MARKETS FLAVOR STRENGTH (posted November 1, 2017) Castello grows premium cheese line and introduces flavor strength scale. Since 1893, Castello cheeses have been made to the highest standards, expertly crafted by passionate, seasoned cheesemakers. This month the company is introducing Edam, Gouda and Muenster cheese to expand its yellow cheese range. With the new cheeses comes a redesigned package that includes a new visual “strength scale” to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. One of the biggest barriers in the cheese category is consumers not knowing what a product will taste like, according to the company. Hence the reason for the new strength indicator scale on packaging. The numbers range from 1 to 6, from very mild to intense flavor. What do each of the strength words mean? 1 Very Mild: mild, creamy cheeses without any flavor ingredients added 2 Mild: mild, often creamy, cheese with light aromatic flavor ingredients, such as dill 3 Balanced: contains a slightly bold ingredient, for example, herbs and spices, which is balanced with a mild base cheese 4 Bold: cheeses that have developed a good well-rounded flavor. For yellow cheeses, this often comes with age but also through the addition of spicy ingredients, such as jalapeño. For mold cheeses, this often comes through a bold mold or schmear. 5 Strong: mold cheeses that have a strong mold taste, yet slight milder creamy texture. 6 Intense: reserved for the most intense of them all--Danish Blue--with its sharp blue mold flavor For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the October 20, 2017 blog, titled “Global Cheese Trends 2017.”

	ANIMAL WORLD OF CHEESE (posted October 17, 2017) M.J. Dairies of Bulgaria rolls out innovative kids’ cheese snack. The recloseable tub is designed to resemble a fish bowl, while the cheese snacks it contains come in the shapes of fish, dolphins and starfish. The cheese is vacuum packed inside the tub, with or without brine. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM CHEESE SNACK FOR ADULTS (posted October 12, 2017) Switzerland Cheese Marketing introduces Smart Snack. The branded snack is from and with Original Swiss Emmentaler AOP, a raw milk cheese made with cows milk from the valley of the Emme in the canton of Berne and made in the same region by local dairies. Each 178-gram upscale package contains two slices of the cheese (70 grams total), two slices of bread (80 grams total), a jar of spread (28 grams) and a knife. There are three varieties. Break Filler has whole meal bread with cranberries and cherry and orange spread. Life Saver has whole meal rye bread with chia seeds and a peppery pear and passion fruit spread. Soul Food has whole meal oat bread with apricots and apricot and pimiento spread. For more information, link HERE.

	SMALL FRENCH DAIRY GOES BIG ON PREMIUM CHEESE (posted October 4, 2017) Milleret Fromager introduces L’Ortolan Truffle. Visit them at Anuga Hall 10.1 booth B012. This fresh, soft brie cheese includes a generous layer of summer truffles from Italy. Earlier this year the dairy offered a similarly designed spreadable brie layered with tomato and basil line. The company’s specialty is fresh cheese using premium, locally sourced ingredients. All products are available for export. For more information, link HERE.

	PROTEIN-PACKED SNACKING CHEESE (posted September 25, 2017) Dairy Farmers of America introduces Borden Cheese Snack Bars. Just in time for back to school, Borden Cheese announces an all-new line of snack bars, packed with everything a student needs to take on the school year. Available in the four popular flavors of Colby Jack, Gouda, Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack, these convenient, easy-to-open snack bars make it easy to create a protein-packed lunch. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos for Borden Cheese, two out of three parents pack lunches for their kids, and more than 65% of these parents believe nutritious snacks are a must-have lunch box item. The survey also found that 50% of parents identify time and convenience as the primary challenges to offering healthy, nutritious lunches and after-school snacks for their children. “Combining convenience and nutrition, Borden Cheese Snack Bars make packing a healthy lunch your child will actually eat easier,” says Flavia Panza, senior director of marketing, Dairy Farmers of America. Each Borden Cheese Snack Bar packs in 5 grams of protein at only 80 calories or less per serving. The bars are sold in resealable packs of 10. Borden Cheese is licensed by Dairy Farmers of America, a cooperative of dairy farmers. For more information, link HERE.

	AUTHENTIC MOZZARELLA SNACKING CHEESE (posted August 24, 2017) Lioni Latticini introduces Lioni Fresh Mozzarella Snack Bites. The Salzarulo family is packaging its fine tradition of Italian cheesemaking into convenient little packs. Not too big, not too small and under 100 calories, Lioni's Fresh Mozzarella Snack Bites come four to a single-serve 1.3-ounce vacuum-sealed pack, with six packs sold in a resealable pouch. The cheese is made from milk free of artificial growth hormones and contains no additives or preservatives and is gluten free. For more information, link HERE.

	CREAMY GOURMET CHEESE IMPORTED INTO U.S. (posted August 14, 2017) Finlandia Cheese grows it spreadable cheese line with bold flavors. Made with fresh Finnish milk from small family-owned farms, Finlandia’s proprietary recipe yields a cheese spread free from GMOs, artificial growth hormones, preservatives and lactose. Smooth Horseradish and Zesty Pepper joins Black Garlic, Garden Dill, Sweet Lemon and Vanilla Bean. The cheese spreads come in 7-ounce recloseable oval tubs. They are described as being perfect for spreading, dipping, baking and cooking. A 2-tablespoon serving contains 50 to 80 calories and 4 to 7 grams of fat, depending on variety. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE SPREADS SHOWCASE INGREDIENTS (posted August 2, 2017) Alouette Cheese introduces new cheese spread variety, flavorful toppings and clear packaging. Grilled Tomato is the most recent flavor to join the 6.5-ounce spreadable cheese line from Alouette Cheese. All of the spreads now include toppings that are showcased through clear packaging to better communicate the bold flavors inside. The other flavors in the line are: Flame-Roasted Red Peppers, Garlic & Herbs, Reduced-Fat Garlic & Herbs, Smoky Jalapeno, Spinach & Artichoke, and Toasted Everything. For more information, link HERE.

	AGED CHEESE IN PILLOW BAGS (posted July 27, 2017) Saputo introduces shredded and shaved aged cheeses in new package format. Stella brand Shredded Parmesan, Shaved Parmesan and a 3-Cheese Blend of shredded Asiago, Parmesan and Romano cheeses are now available in 8-ounce pillow bags. Stella Parmesan is domestically produced and carefully aged for more than 10 months to give it a distinctive and slightly nutty flavor with a hard, granular texture. Stella 3-Cheese Italian Blend unites the rich, buttery flavor of Asiago the subtle nuttiness of Parmesan and the sharp, salty, pleasantly tangy flavor of Romano. For more information, link HERE.

	HIGH-PROTEIN CHEESE SNACKING BARS (posted July 18, 2017) Laurels Farm grows its eatlean cheese brand. New eatlean Protein Cheese Snack Bars come in 30 gram portions, seven to a pack. The cheese is made just like any other regular cheddar using natural ingredients by real cheesemakers on a real dairy farm, according to the company. The original chunk product was introduced about a year ago. Lactose-free, a 100-gram serving contains 169 calories, 3 grams of fat and 37 grams of protein. Regular cheddar contains about 25 grams of protein. Each bar delivers 11 grams of protein and a mere 1 gram of fat. For more information, link HERE.

	FINNISH CHEESES IMPORTED INTO U.S. MARKET (posted July 12, 2017) Valio renders more Finlandia-branded cheese products available to U.S. shoppers. Finlandia Cheese, a subsidiary of Valio Ltd., was first imported into the U.S. in the 1950’s when the demand for full-flavored cheese began to grow. The company is increasing its offerings with an array of “made in Finland” products. This includes Finlandia Snack Time 6.75-ounce packs, which contain nine individually wrapped sticks of cheese. The packs come in three combinations. They are: Gouda, Gouda and Parmesan, and Cheddar and Gruyere. There’s also new 7-ounce cheese chunks in Gouda, Gruyere, Swiss and Keisarinna, which is described as a royal marriage of creamy Gouda and sharp Parmesan. New Imported Cheese Wheels come in two varieties, each in two sizes (8.8 and 16 ounces). Varieties are Sharp Havarti (pleasant piquant flavor with a semi-soft texture) and Tilsit (complex full flavor with a hint of tang and a smooth, creamy texture). All of the cheeses are made from milk that is free of artificial growth hormones as well as GMO ingredients. For more information, link HERE.

	FRESH FRUIT, CHEESE AND NUTS (posted June 26, 2017) Naturipe Farms rolls out healthy and convenient Naturipe Snacks. The new snacks pair fresh sweet berries and grapes with cheese and nuts in a variety of tastefully curated flavor combinations. The 5.5-ounce packs come in six varieties. They are: Bold & Spicy: grapes, chili mango cashews and pepper Jack cheese Classic & Sharp: grapes, blueberries, roasted sea salt almonds and sharp cheddar cheese Rich & Savory: strawberries, roasted salted pistachios and mild Gouda cheese Smooth & Smokey: strawberries, blueberries, smoked almonds and Monterey Jack cheese Sweet & Crunchy: strawberries, blueberries, cinnamon almonds and white cheddar cheese Sweet & Zesty: strawberries, cracked black pepper cashews and aged Swiss cheese) For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM CHEESE SNACKS (posted June 20, 2017) Next-generation snacks were plentiful at The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association annual expo in June 2017. To read more about this trend, and view a slide show on the topic, link HERE. In many of the new snack packs, the most familiar component was some form of cheese, have it be a ball, cube, roll, stick or string. Artisanal salumi manufacturer Busseto Foods Inc., Fresno, Calif., introduced an array of “made in California” meat and cheese packs. The California Snackin’ pack is either meat and cheese, or meat, cheese and nuts. There’s also a California Party Pack containing meat, cheese and nuts. The meats are all made in the dry San Joaquin Valley using centuries-old recipes and time-honored techniques to provide authentic aged Italian flavors. The nuts are either almonds or pistachios, both grown in California. The cheeses are made with “Real California Milk,” with packages sporting the seal.

	NEW SNACKING CHEESE CONCEPTS (posted June 15, 2017) BelGioioso introduces snack packs of Parmesan. Individually wrapped 0.75-ounce portions of Parmesan are one of the latest snacking innovations from Green Bay, Wis.-based BelGioioso Cheese Inc. This “Power-Full Snack” is only 80 calories per serving and contains 7 grams of protein. Each individual piece is packaged in a convenient easy-open thermoform, with film showcasing the BelGioioso signature snacking smile logo. The single-serve portions come in packs of eight for $4.99 and 24 (club store) for $14.97. The company is also rolling out provolone cheese and genoa salame snacking rolls. Sold in 1.5-ounce single-serve packs containing two rolls, the snack pack delivers 10 grams of protein and 150 calories. For more information, link HERE.

	BOLD CHEESE SPREADS (posted June 12, 2017) Since 1914, family-owned Henning’s Wisconsin Cheese has been making cheddar and Colby cheeses. The company is known for its unique varieties of flavored cheeses. It is growing its line with three on-trend flavors. Bacon Cheddar contains slowly cured real bacon pieces in yellow cheddar. Dragon’s Breath Cheddar is made with “fire-breathing” peppers. Golden Fenugreek Cheddar is made with creamy white cheddar cheese and fenugreek seeds, which have a slightly sweet, maple-like flavor that gives the cheese a sweet and nutty flavor. The cheeses come in 12-, 22- and 38-pound wheels, as well as retail 8-ounce precuts. For more information, link HERE.

	HANDCRAFTED CALIFORNIA MILK MEXICAN CHEESES (posted June 6, 2017) Rizo Bros. California Creamery launches whole milk quesos. Made with artificial growth hormone-free local milk, the quesos come in three varieties. They are: Cotija, Fresco and Oaxaca. The company describes the product as “classic Mexican cheeses recrafted for the way we eat now.” The chunks of authentic Mexican cheeses come in 8-ounce packs. A 1-ounce serving contains 80 to 90 calories, 6 to 7 grams of fat and 5 to 7 grams of protein, depending on variety. For more information, link HERE.

	BRITISH CHEESES FOR FOODSERVICE (posted May 24, 2017) Somerdale rolls out the Saville Row brand of cheese to U.S. restaurant operators and chefs. The brand takes inspiration from the historic London street, forever known for fine bespoke tailoring. These new custom cheeses represent the same tradition: meticulous craftsmanship by multiple generations of passionate English cheesemakers. The range includes classics such as Farmhouse Cheddar and Blue Stilton. There are also numerous varieties of cheddar, including smoked, six-month aged, 12-month aged non-GMO, with horseradish and parsley, and with wholegrain mustard seed and ale. The line include specialties such as Double Gloucester with chives and onion, and Wensleydale with cranberries. The cheese are meant to provide authentic, sophisticated taste to menus. For more information, link HERE.

	SINGLE-SERVE SPIRALED KIDS CHEESE (posted May 15, 2017) Groupe bel offers French kids a unique cheese snack. Mini Roules de Babybel, translated to mini rollers from Babybel, resemble the round Babybel cheese package from the outside. Inside, the package contains a single spaghetti-style coil of cheese. The snack can stay unrefrigerated for up to eight hours, making it an ideal lunchbox snack. Kids can eat it just the way they want it: rolled, unrolled or bit by bit. Made in the Loire region with 100% French milk, Mini Roulés is a process-style cheese without the addition of artificial ingredients or preservatives. It is rich in calcium. The rounds are 17 grams each and sold in packs of five. Each individual snack contains 47 calories, 3.1 grams of fat and 4.5 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM CHEESE, MEAT AND SWEET TREAT SNACKS (posted May 9, 2017) Hormel Foods introduces Hormel Natural Choice Snacks. Another multi-compartment pack enters the protein snack category. New Hormel Natural Choice Snacks come in four varieties. A single-serve pack contains 170 to 200 calories, 10 to 14 grams of fat and 9 to 10 grams of protein, depending on variety. They are: Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Mild White Cheddar Cheese and Dark Chocolate-Covered Pretzels; Honey Ham with Mild White Cheddar Cheese and Dark Chocolate-Covered Pretzels; Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Pepper Jack Cheese and Dark Chocolate-Covered Blueberries; and Oven Roasted Chicken Breast with Mild White Cheddar Cheese and Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds. The Natural Choice brand touts the fact that its meat and cheese products are packed with flavor and made without artificial preservatives. No nitrates or nitrites are added except for those naturally occurring in cultured celery and cherry powder. For more information, link HERE.

	FRESH MOZZARELLA SALAD KIT FOR DELI AND GRAB-AND-GO MERCHANDISING (posted May 4, 2017) Norseland markets Gabriella of Italy Caprese Salad Kit from Lotito Foods. Each 5-pound kit contains two 4-ounce cups of basil and olive oil dressing, two 4-ounce cups of chopped sundried tomatoes marinated with garlic, onion, parsley, oregano and salt, and two 2-pound packages of ciliegine fresh mozzarella balls. The mozzarella is made in Vermont with artificial growth hormone-free milk supplied by local farmers. Deli and sandwich store operators simply mix a pack of each of the three ingredients to create fresh caprese salad. For more information, link HERE.

	MIDWESTERN-MADE SNACKING CHEESE CUBES (posted April 24, 2017) Saputo extends its Great Midwest brand to retail cheese cube packs. The brand is known for its Wisconsin-made, artisan cheeses blended with flavors that appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Hand-crafted in small batches, the cheeses are made with artificial hormone-free milk. The 12-ounce retail cube packs come in three varieties. They are: Colby Jack, Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack. The brand includes 7-ounce cheddar chunks wrapped in parchment paper. Flavors include apple cinnamon, blueberry cobbler, chipotle, hatch pepper, mango and more. There are also 8-ounce rounds of flavored jacks, including morel & leek, jalapeno and salsa. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the April 21, 2017, blog titled "Say Cheese! Make Dairy Foods the Star of the Supermarket," by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the April 21, 2017, blog titled "Say Cheese! Make Dairy Foods the Star of the Supermarket," by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the April 21, 2017, blog titled "Say Cheese! Make Dairy Foods the Star of the Supermarket," by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the April 21, 2017, blog titled "Say Cheese! Make Dairy Foods the Star of the Supermarket," by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, link to the April 21, 2017, blog titled "Say Cheese! Make Dairy Foods the Star of the Supermarket," by linking HERE.

	WHITE CHEDDAR WITH KICK (posted April 19, 2017) Michael Foods, parent company of Crystal Farms Cheese and Simply Potatoes, is launching a number of new products, continuing its quest for innovation with an eye toward healthy entrees and snacks. One of these products is Crystal Farms Cracked Black Pepper White Cheddar. The new variety combines naturally aged, creamy white cheddar cheese and a spicy kick of fresh black pepper that adds bold flavor to classic dishes such as chili, pasta, burgers or sandwiches. Crystal Farms Cracked Black Pepper White Cheddar is available in shreds, slices and chunks and can be found in the dairy section of the grocery store. For more information, link HERE.

	SHELF-STABLE KOSHER SNACKING CHEESE (posted April 11, 2017) Umland introduces Umland’s Pure Dry 100% Natural Cheese. Made with kosher Wisconsin cheese, these vacuum dried snackable, crunchy cheese pieces come in Cheddar, Gouda and Pepperjack varieties. These crispy 100% cheese snacks are naturally gluten free, GMO free, and are a good source of protein and calcium. The snacks come in single-serve 0.6-ounce and two-serving 1.9-ounce bags. A single serving, which is about one-fourth cup of pieces, contains 110 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein and less than a gram of carbohydrates. For more information, link HERE.

	DUAL-COMPARTMENT ORGANIC CHEESE AND “A SIDE” SNACKS (posted March 23, 2017) WhiteWave debuted Horizon Good & GO! Cheese snacks at Expo West. The single-serve dual-compartment packs come in three varieties: cheddar with pretzels, cheddar with cashews, raisins and sweetened dried cranberries, and Colby and dried apple. The snacks contain 130 to 140 calories, 7 to 10 grams of fat and 5 to 7 grams of protein, depending on variety. The packs come in five-pack merchandising units for easy display. For more information, link HERE.

	JERKY MEAT PARTNERS WITH CHEESE (posted March 13, 2017) Chef’s Cut Real Jerky introduces jerky and cheese snack packs. At Expo West, this jerky company previewed its new snack product. The two varieties of 1.5-ounce protein packs are: Smoked Beef Original Recipe and Cheddar Cheese and Smoked Turkey Teriyaki with Pepper Jack Cheese. The cheese is dehydrated, enabling the snack packs to be shelf stable. Gluten free and with no nitrites, the snack packs provide 16 or 17 grams of protein, respectively.

	A NEW STYLE OF SHREDDED CHEESE (posted March 8, 2017) Tillamook County Creamery Association introduces Farmstyle Cut Shredded Cheeses. The 108-year-old farmer-owned cooperative from Oregon has unveiled a complete reformulation of its shredded cheese products, combining convenience with the premium quality that the farmer-led brand is known for. Tillamook Farmstyle Cut Shredded Cheeses offer a unique, hand-grated texture and are thoughtfully blended to deliver ideal melt, stretch, texture and flavor for specific culinary purposes. The new offerings will replace Tillamook’s fine cut shredded cheese line and they contain no cellulose anti-caking agent. Like all Tillamook products, Farmstyle Cut Shreds are made using the highest-quality milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones and without any artificial colors or flavors. Additionally, Tillamook debuted a new flavor of shredded cheese in response to increased consumer demand for white cheddars. Tillamook Sharp White Farmstyle Cut Shredded Cheese offers a convenient alternative to award-winning, naturally-aged Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, which is already available in 7-ounce and 2-pound blocks. In honor of the complete shredded cheese refresh, Tillamook launched re-designed packaging. With a matte finish and clean design, the package is intended to reflect the simple, honest ingredients that consumers have come to trust from Tillamook. In a category largely devoid of premium options, the bold simplicity of the package combined with the high-quality product inside aims to change the way consumers view the shredded cheese category. “We’ve found that families want to make everyday meals taste better and be proud of the food that they cook,” says Sibel Candemir, cheese category manager at Tillamook. “Our goal is to provide a product that is both premium and convenient, and these shreds are just that--grated straight from the blocks of Tillamook cheese that families already love. Not only will consumers notice the visually bigger size of the shreds, but they’ll taste the difference as well.” Farmstyle Cut Shreds are now available in 10 varieties: Sharp Yellow Cheddar, Cheddar Jack, Mexican 4 Cheese, Mexican 2 Cheese, Sharp White Cheddar, Medium Yellow Cheddar, Triple Cheddar, Italian Blend, Mozzarella and Colby Jack. All varieties are available in 8-ounce packages with a suggested retail price of $3.99. Select varieties are available in 16 ounce ($5.99) and 32 ounce ($11.99) packs. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE AND MEAT AS A SKINNY SNACK (posted February 28, 2017) Smithfield Foods will introduce Skinnygirl On The Go Deli. Prototypes were displayed at the American Meat Conference last week in Dallas. Ready-to-eat luncheon meats are combined with reduced-fat cheese and targeted to health- and wellness-conscious women who are looking to maintain a healthful weight. The all-natural meat and cheese snacks sport the American Heart Association Seal. The product line comes in four flavor combinations: Applewood Smoked Ham with Reduced-Fat Mild Cheddar, Cane Sugar Sweet Ham with Reduced-Fat Mozzarella, Herb-Encrusted Turkey with Reduced-Fat Mild Cheddar and Honey Smoked Turkey with Reduced-Fat Mozzarella. The 7-ounce prototype package contains many label claims, including no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no nitrates or nitrites added (except for those occurring naturally in natural flavors and sea salt), minimally processed and not preserved. Packages instruct that product is to be kept refrigerated and below 40 degrees F at all times. A front package call out states that one serving is 100 calories. Again…this was prototype packaging. Pack size and serving size may require find tuning.

	CHEESE SNACKS GET AN EGG (posted February 22, 2017) Crystal Farms rolls out Ready, Egg Go! This new line of 3.75-ounce single-serve snacks contains three protein-rich foods to deliver 18 to 21 grams of protein per pack. There are four varieties. Each pack contains one hard-boiled egg. The other two ingredient combinations are: Almonds & White Cheddar Cheese, Cashews & Gouda Cheese, Pistachios & Cheddar Cheese and Roasted Peanuts & Colby Jack Cheese. For more information, link HERE.

	LOVE, LOVE, LOVE…HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! (posted February 14, 2017) Private-label retailer Aldi introduces limited-edition heart-shaped cheese to the U.S. market. Sold under the Happy Farms Preferred brand, the red wax covered heart shaped cheese is described as a Classic English Mature Cheddar. The heart is 5.29 ounces. Like most cheddar cheese, a 1-ounce serving contains 120 calories.

	HANDCRAFTED ITALIAN-STYLE CHEESE (posted January 31, 2017) BelGioioso introduces La Bottega di BelGioioso. Each cheese is handmade with local Wisconsin milk using traditional Italian cheesemaking methods passed down for five generations. Varieties and flavors include: Sweet and nutty 24-month aged American Grana, Mild and tangy Crescenza-Stracchino, Mixed-milk Gorgonzola, Zesty Peperoncino Asiago Con Chili Pepper, Sharp 24-month aged Provolone Extra, and The newly created Artigiano, a sweet hard cheese made in small batches and available in three unique flavors: nutty Classico, Aged Balsamic & Cipolline Onion and Vino Rosso. For more information, link HERE.

	ORGANIC SPECIALTY CHEESE LINE (posted January 26, 2017) Emmi Roth USA introduced Roth Organics at the Winter Fancy Food Show. The innovative collection of four new cheeses features many award-winning Roth favorites now made using fresh, certified organic milk from local dairy farms. The vegetarian-friendly organic line features Grand Cru Original, Havarti, Sharp Cheddar and Van Gogh Gouda. Roth Organic Grand Cru Original comes in 18-pound wheels and 6-ounce retail cuts. It is an award-winning Alpine-style cheese made from a combination of the finest organic milk and Swiss traditions. The smear-ripened cheese is crafted in authentic copper vats and cured by Roth cellar masters for a minimum of four months in order to achieve a complex and full-bodied flavor unlike any other. The other varieties all come in 8-ounce retail cuts and larger sizes ranging from 10-pound wheels to 1-pound blocks. “There is a strong demand for organic products that has grown significantly over the past few years,” says Tim Omer, president and managing director. “We are fortunate to live in a part of the world where fresh, organic milk is available in our backyard. The farmers we work with follow certified organic dairy farming standards.” Cows milked on organic dairy farms are not treated with bovine growth hormones, are not given antibiotics while in a herd, are fed grass and feed that has not been treated with pesticides or grown from genetically modified seeds, and always have access to pasture. For more information, link HERE.

	FLAVORFUL NATURAL CHEESE BECOMES A TOPPING (posted January 18, 2017) The Sincerely, Brigitte brand will roll out Salad Toppings at the Winter Fancy Food Show. Brigitte Mizrahi, CEO of Anderson International Foods Inc., is a French cheese connoisseur, cheese blogger and the woman behind a number of specialty cheeses that first made their U.S. debut in March 2013. To read more, link HERE. The flavored cheese line was inspired by her passion for new flavors and adventure. At the Winter Fancy Food Show kicking off this Sunday (Jan. 22) in San Francisco, the brand will roll out Salad Toppings, a line of diced flavorful cheeses designed for topping a salad. The varieties are: Chipotle, Cheddar, Garlic and Variety (cheddar and Muenster). The diced cheeses come in four packs of single-serve 1-ounce cups and 3-ounce multi-serve/large salad cups. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE FROM SWITZERLAND GETS BRANDING MAKEOVER TO COMMUNICATE AUTHENTICITY (posted January 9, 2017) Mifroma rolls out Heidi line of cheeses for global export. Switzerland is the land of mountains, cows, alpine pastures and, of course, cheese. Heidi selects only the best products made with natural, quality ingredients according to authentic recipes and accompanies you on your journey of discovery through the real tastes of Switzerland. There are numerous Swiss-made cheeses in the line. It includes raclette, a traditional cheese of Switzerland. The variety selected by Heidi is particularly creamy, according to the company. As it slowly melts, the cheese releases aromas that pair well with peppers and pickles. It comes in three flavors—classic, garlic and pepper—as well as a variety pack. There’s also a fondue cup that can be microwaved. It is made with a unique recipe that combines Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP and mountain cheese to give it an unparalleled creaminess. There are numerous other authentic cheeses now available in the Heidi line. For more information, link HERE.

	CRAFT CHEESE TEAMS UP WITH CRAFT BREW TO MAKE ARTISAN SPREAD (posted December 29, 2016) Bel Brands USA introduces Merkt’s Beer Cheese Spread. Merkt’s Beer Cheese Spread is a bold new line of spreadable cheeses made with Wisconsin craft beer. Bel Brands partnered with Capital Brewery in Middleton, Wisconsin, and Stevens Point Brewery in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to offer four flavorful cheese spreads infused with a light lager, a smooth amber, a hoppy IPA or a roasted malt. Merkt’s Beer Cheese Spread comes in four cheddar varieties. The varieties are: Capital Mutiny IPA, Capital Supper Club, Point Amber Lager and Point Onyx Black Ale. The cheese come in 7-ounce plastic tubs ready for dipping and spreading. A 2-tablespoon serving contains 90 calories, 7 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	FLAVORFUL SNACKING CURDS (posted December 12, 2016) Bongards packs cheese curds into mini bags for on-the-go snacking. Long known for squeaking when you eat them, cheese curds are a fresh product that goes direct from vat to pack before being shaped into blocks of cheese. Chanhassen, MN-Bongards Premium Cheese is making cheese curds a more convenient and portable snack with new 2-ounce bags that deliver 14 grams of protein. These randomly shaped curds come in three varieties. They are: Bacon Cheddar, Cheddar and Garlic Cheddar. The company also offers individually wrapped 1-ounce cheese sticks in display-ready shippers. Pepper Jack recently joined Cheddar, Marble Jack and Mozzarella. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE FLAVOR BLAST PACKS (posted December 6, 2016) Norseland introduces Cheese Fusions. Described as “the better way to snack,” Cheese Fusions are scheduled to hit retail shelves in early 2017. The new 2-ounce single-serve packs of flavor blasted cheese bites come in four varieties. They are: Buffalo Jack, Habanero Jack, Smoked Chipotle Cheddar and Sour Cream & Onion Jack. For less-daring consumers, there’s also original Awesome Cheddar. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	To read more about this product, link HERE to the November 25, 2016 blog titled "Dairy Foods Forecast 2017: Cheese Snacking Trends."

	PRE-PORTIONED PREMIUM CHEESES (posted November 23, 2016) The U.K.’s Snowdonia Cheese now offers pre-cut packs of its best-selling cheeses. The new 5.3-ounce packs feature Snowdonia premium cheeses previously only sold in in large wheels for in-store cutting. These cheeses come in five varieties. Beechwood is naturally beechwood-smoked cheddar. Black Bomber is extra-aged mature cheddar. Green Thunder is creamy aged cheddar with garlic and garden herbs. Red Devil is red Leicester with chilies and crushed peppers. Red Storm is distinctive creamy vintage red Leicester. For more information, link HERE.

	THREE-CONTAINER CHEESE SNACK (posted November 14, 2016) Kerry Ireland introduces Cheestrings Scoffies. There are three varieties of this new three-container snack, with one container having real chunks of cheese. The second is either crackers or pretzels, while the third is dried fruit, chocolate and/or biscuit pieces. The three containers are described as ‘mixable,’ and offer kids the opportunity to ‘swap them,’ ‘switch them’ and ‘save them,’ as each pack has a convenient resealable tab. The Green One features crunchy crackers and a fruity mix with white chocolate shortcake pieces. The Purple One features crunchy crackers and a blend of cherry strings, biscuits and chocolate raisins. The Red One features mini pretzels and a blend of cherry cubes, yogurt raisins and biscuits. Each 100-gram serving contains around 375 calories, 12 to 17 grams of fat and 11 to 15 grams of protein. Cheestrings Scoffies are a rich source of calcium and are free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. For more information, link HERE.

	SHREDDED CHEESES ENCOURAGE AUTHENTIC HISPANIC COOKING (posted November 8, 2016) Michael Foods adds four Hispanic cheeses to the Crystal Farms brand. These shredded cheese varieties are recognized for their versatility and melting capabilities, which are important in Hispanic cooking. Asadero is a rich Mexican-style melting cheese and is ideal for adding buttery flavor to most Mexican fare. Muenster, though not a traditional Hispanic cheese, has been adapted to authentic dishes because of its mild flavor and high melting factor. Oaxaca, which is named after a region in Mexico, melts effortlessly into casseroles, refried beans and soups. Quesadilla is rich and creamy and can be used in most recipes that call for melting cheese. “Our research shows that consumers are looking for ways to make more authentic and ethnic meals at home, and also prefer to use shredded cheese when cooking,” says Katie Egan, senior brand manager. “Crystal Farms’ new shredded varieties will meet that need and offer more options for enhancing ethnic meals.” The packaging features recommended recipes for consumers to enjoy. “Cheese is a key ingredient in Latin American cuisine,” says Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, executive chef and cultural strategist, and author of Amalia’s Guatemalan Kitchen. “I’ve been experimenting with the new Crystal Farms cheeses and find them to be approachable, versatile and accessible while authentic in flavor.” For more information, link HERE.

	A SWEET, CHEESY BREAK (posted November 2, 2016) Sargento Foods grows Balanced Breaks with sweet offerings. The company is giving consumers a balanced way to satisfy their sweet tooth with the release of Sweet Balanced Breaks Snacks. This new product combines the savory flavors of creamy, natural cheese with sweet ingredients like dried fruits and dark chocolate. Like the original Balanced Breaks Snacks, Sweet Balanced Breaks Snacks give consumers a new delicious way to snack. Each of the four sweet varieties features 5 to 7 grams of protein and fewer than 200 calories. The new combinations are: Natural Cheddar Cheese, Sea-Salted Roasted Almonds, Raisins and Greek Yogurt-Flavored Drops Monterey Jack Natural Cheese, Dried Cranberries and Dark Chocolate-Coated Peanuts Monterey Jack Natural Cheese, Dried Cranberries, Dark Chocolate Chunks and Banana Chips Natural Cheddar Cheese, Milk Chocolate Chunks, Raspberry Flavored Dried Cranberries and Graham Crackers “The success of Balanced Breaks Snacks made it clear that people want convenience and variety in their snacks,” says Chris McCarthy, director of marketing for the Sargento Foods Consumer Products Division. “The Sweet Balanced Breaks line offers a new way for consumers to indulge their sweet cravings while still enjoying their favorite natural cheese.” Sweet Balanced Breaks Snacks will begin shipping to retail and convenience store locations in early 2017. They come in a package of three 1.5-ounce snacks for a suggested retail price of $3.69. For more information, link HERE.

	LIGHT-FAT, FULL-FLAVOR CHEESE (posted October 24, 2016) Family-owned French dairy Triballat Noyal had numerous products that were SIAL Innovation finalists, both dairy and dairy alternatives. This includes Merzer l’Onctueux 12% fat cheese. Merzer cheese, the lightest of the strong, robust-flavored cheeses, has been a staple in French households for nearly 35 years. Drawing inspiration from the monks of the abbeys in western France, a passionate cheesemaker from Noyal-sur-Vilaine developed this special uncooked pressed cheese recipe and added his own personal touch: semi-skimmed cows milk rather than full-fat milk. The unique recipe features a fruity taste and a golden crust with only 12% fat content. The cheese boasts a creamy texture and does not compromise on flavor, according to the company. The cheese launched in September 2016 and comes in 240-gram rounds with a shelf life of 25 days. For more information, link HERE.

	MARINATED, COOK-READY FETA (posted October 18, 2016) Greece’s Olympus Tyras Group introduces Feta Ready to Bake or Grill at SIAL this week in Paris. Attending SIAL? Check out the product in Hall 7 Booth C 097. It is a Select SIAL Innovation 2016. Feta does not typically melt when cooked, so it can be seasoned, heated and served much like a steak or chicken breast as a center-of-plate protein. Olympus takes the work out of preparing feta by packaging two feta “filets” in marinade in a foil pan for reduced mess and clean up. It can be put directly on the grill or in the oven. The three varieties are: Chili & Paprika, Mediterranean Herb, and Red Bell Pepper, Onion & Dill. For more information, link HERE.

	100% CHEDDAR CHEESE CRUNCHY SNACK (posted September 28, 2016) Schuman Cheese adds Cheddar Cheese Crisps to its Cello Whisps line. The cheddar variety joins the popular Cello Parmesan Whisps. Bite-sized Cello Whisps are made from natural cheese crafted by artisan cheesemakers in Wisconsin. They are made with only one ingredient: cheese. Cello Whisps are an excellent source of protein and calcium. They are a feel-good snack that can be consumed alone, or be used as a topping on salads, pasta dishes, soups, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas, according to the company. A 1-ounce serving of the cheddar variety, which is about 23 crisps, contains 170 calories, 14 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein. A serving of the Parmesan variety contains 150 calories, 10 grams of fat and 13 grams of protein. “Cheddar Whisps, along with our popular Parmesan Whisps, highlight Schuman Cheese’s commitment to delivering an innovative, addictive, gluten- and wheat-free, pure cheese snack that contains only a single ingredient--our very own cheese,” says Ilana Fischer, vice president of innovation and strategy for Schuman Cheese. Cello Whisps are available to both the retail and foodservice markets. For more information, link HERE.

	BRIE AND GOAT CHEESE TAKE ON THE HEAT (posted September 13, 2016) Petite Jalapeño, a triple-cream brie with bold, aromatic characteristics of red and green jalapeño peppers, is the hottest new addition to Marin French Cheese’s Petite Collection of 4-ounce wheels. Marin French Cheese’s Petite Jalapeño as well as its 8-ounce counterpart, Jalapeño brie, which won third place at the American Cheese Society 2016 competition on July 29, 2016, reflects the on-going tendency for piquant flavors. Made with fresh cows milk and cream delivered daily from neighboring Marin County dairies within a 20-mile radius, the soft-ripened cheese’s smooth texture and creamy taste counterbalances the heat from the jalapeño peppers, according to the company. Sister company Laura Chenel’s is introducing a Pimento & Garlic fresh goat cheese log, following the success of its recently launched Spicy Cabecou chèvre marinated in jalapeño-infused olive oil and crushed chilies. The new 8-ounce log blends fresh goat cheese with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then is coated with red and green pimento peppers. The sweetness of the California sun-dried tomatoes is harmoniously balanced by the subtle spicy and green pepper notes from the pimentos. With a different flavor profile and usage, Laura Chenel’s Spicy Cabecou is a dense, marinated goat cheese disk. Cut from fresh logs, the cheese rounds are dried on racks before being hand-packed in jalapeño-infused olive oil with savory chili peppers, which impart their flavor into the creamy yet tart cheese, giving a kick to the fresh taste of the chèvre. “With so many choices for consumers, it remains Laura Chenel’s mission, as the pioneer of American goat cheese, to offer the highest quality products, which includes using only goat milk from farms in western U.S.,” says Philippe Chevrollier, general manager at Marin French Cheese and Laura Chenel’s. “We aspire to please as many palates as possible, while remaining true to our roots and supporting our network of independent goat farmers. Not only do our employees share their expertise, including a supervisor who spent 10 years working side by side founder, Laura Chenel, the company also brings in experts from France to visit our partner farms throughout the year and provide technical assistance as needed. This, together with financial support, maximizes milk production, profitability and the sustainability of our family farms.” For more information, link HERE and HERE.

	NEW CHEESE AND PEPPERONI LUNCHBOX SNACK (posted September 7, 2016) Canada’s McSweeney’s Premium Jerky & Meat Snacks introduces Pep’ N Cheddies. The 25-gram individually portioned easy-peel packs feature a mild-flavored pepperoni made with natural ingredients and Bothwell premium cheddar cheese. These high-protein, gluten-free portioned snacks come in packs of six. “Busy people want great products even when they’re on the go,” says Kylie Landry, brand manager. “There is an increasing demand for snacks that are not only portable but are also wholesome and nutritious. Busy parents are looking for convenient items they can throw in their kids’ lunches. With grab-and-go items increasing in market share and a trend towards protein snacking, McSweeney’s Pep’ N Cheddies are certain to make packing lunches a breeze while providing an energizing snack.” For more information, link HERE.

	FIRST FULLY ACCREDITED, NON-GMO BRITISH CHEESE (posted August 24, 2016) Somerdale International introduces Cromwell Double Gloucester with Chives & Onions. This leading exporter of British cheeses and dairy products has launched the first fully accredited, non-GMO British cheese. Developed in response to growing consumer demand for non-GMO foods, this Cromwell Double Gloucester with Chives & Onions is the first in the line of a range of non-GMO cheeses the company plans to offer. The cheese combines the creamy texture and rounded taste of a quintessentially British Double Gloucester with the tang of chives and onions. The initial rollout began in early August in select U.S. Whole Foods Market stores. Cromwell has been fully accredited as non-GMO by NSF International, the international food certification organization, under the rigorous testing regime and consensus-based standards of the Non-GMO Project. The certification covers a comprehensive range of checks including ensuring that the cheeses are made with milk from dairy herds not fed with feed containing GMO and similarly that the rennet used in the cheese making process is also verified as non-GMO. For more information, link HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the August 19, 2016, blog entitled "Clean Label Does Not Need to be Complicated. Think out of the box. Get creative with clean-label cheese products," by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	To read more about this product, read the July 29, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese and Other Dairy Foods Snacking Trends: Less is More, and Worth It!" by linking HERE.

	CREAMY, FRESH FRENCH-INSPIRED CHEESE IN BOLD FLAVORS (posted July 12, 2016) Shy Brothers Farm now flavors Cloumage. Made with four natural ingredients—cows milk, sea salt, natural enzymes and milk cultures--using a French recipe, Cloumage Creamy Fresh Cheese is made with cows milk from the company’s coastal Massachusetts farm. The Holstein and Ayrshire cows enjoy a full and healthy season of grasses and herbs influenced by the salty ocean air, according to the company. The cows are given no growth hormones or antibiotics, and the milk is carefully batch pasteurized to preserve natural enzymes. Cloumage Creamy Fresh Cheese Original is creamy and tangy, perfect for a spread and as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. The four flavors are Chipotle, Garlic + Chive, Red Bell + Aleppo Pepper, and Rosemary + Cumin. Cloumage has a seven-month shelf-life. Once the 7-ounce package is opened, the product is good for a month if kept refrigerated. A 2-tablespoon serving contains 20 calories and 1 gram of fat. For more information, link HERE.

	DUAL-COMPARTMENT HIGH-PROTEIN CHEESE SNACK (posted July 7, 2016) Sargento adds two varieties to Balanced Breaks. Sargento Balanced Breaks come in a dual compartment that resembles ying yang. Opposites do attract, and in fact, complement each other quite well in these snacks. One compartment houses cheese bites and the other dried fruits and nuts. Each single-serve pack contains 7 grams of protein and 170 to 190 calories, depending on variety. The new varieties are: Colby-Jack Natural Cheese with Sea Salted Peanuts & Blueberry Juice-Infused Dried Cranberries and Gouda Natural Cheese with Honey-Roasted Peanuts & Dried Cranberries. They join: Natural Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salted Cashews & Cherry Juice-Infused Cranberries; Natural Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salted Cashews & Golden Raisin Medley; Natural White Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salted Roasted Almonds & Dried Cranberries; and Pepper Jack Natural Cheese, Honey Roasted Peanuts & Raisins. “Our Balanced Breaks snacks was the most successful product launch in Sargento history and has exceeded sales expectations,” says Chris McCarthy, director of marketing for the Sargento Foods Consumer Products Division. “Expanding the available flavors is a natural move to give consumers the variety and convenience they want in snacks.” Balanced Breaks snacks come in a package of three 1.5-ounce snacks for a suggested retail price of $3.69. For more information, link HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	Read about this product in the July 1, 2016, blog entitled "Cheese Innovations 2016." Access it HERE.

	NEW ASH-RINDED PETITE BRIE (posted June 29, 2016) Marin French Cheese introduces mini Dark Moon wheels. Dark Moon, a petite ash-rinded, triple-cream aged brie, was a Sofi Award finalist in the New Products category presented by the Specialty Food Association, as well as a Gold medal winner at California’s 2016 State Fair Competition, at which sister companies Marin French Cheese and Laura Chenel’s earned a total of 20 awards. With delicate, earthy overtones, Dark Moon derives its name from the elegant layer of vegetable ash that protects the lush, creamy inside. Made with fresh cows milk and cream from neighboring Marin County dairies, the new 4-ounce triple-cream wheel is part of the brand’s Petite Brie collection. Historically speaking, it is not common to envelop soft-ripened cheeses with ash. Marin French has innovated once again by combining traditional production practices with inventive techniques to create a delectable and visually enticing cheese. For more information, link HERE.

	LIGHTLY BAKED SHEETS OF CHEESE FOR CREATIVE COOKING (posted June 27, 2016) Lotito Foods introduces a first-of-its-kind: cheese sheets. (I typically do not give product reviews but this one deserves a “this is amazing!”) The new Folios product line is par-baked sheets of cheese that are made from Cheddar, Jarlsberg or Parmesan all-natural cheeses. Folios are free of carbs, gluten and sugar. This innovative breakthrough offers chefs creative ways to use cheese to be molded as a topper, shell, wrap and in numerous recipes. The patent-pending lightly baked (1.5 ounce) sheets come five to a pack and are separated by parchment paper. They can be used as is as a wrap, much like one would use a tortilla or flatbread. Or, they can be the cheese slice in the wrap. They can also be warmed and molded into a crispy cheese bowl. The standalone bowl can be used to serve a cold salad. Or, the cheese bowl can be served in a bowl and be used to serve hot foods, such as chili, pasta or soup. The bowl starts to melt and is consumed with its contents. Folios are an excellent source of protein and calcium. For more information, link HERE.

	NO-MELT CHEESE FOR CENTER-OF-PLATE SERVING (posted June 21, 2016) Agora Distributors introduces Grillies Halloumi Cheese. Grillies is simply made with four ingredients: sheeps milk, salt, non-animal rennet and a hint of mint. Imported into the U.S. from the island of Cyprus, Grillies is a semi-hard cheese that retains its shape when cooked, making it ideal for the grill, oven or fryer. Grillies come in three forms: original slices, burger patties and cubes. Retail packs are 8.8 ounces; foodservice packs are 1.65 pounds. A 100-gram serving contains 330 calories, 26 grams of fat and 21 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	BURRATA BURSTING WITH FLAVOR (posted June 13, 2016) Formaggio introduced five varieties of Stuffed Mozzarella at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) last week in Houston, Texas. Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese that is basically an outer shell of solid mozzarella that surrounds a filling of soft cheese. In this case, it is a flavored ricotta cheese filling. Formaggio offers five varieties: Applewood Smoked Bacon, Italian-Style Meat with Herbs, Truffle Oil & Basil, Two Cheese and Sundried Tomato & Basil. The hand-tossed cheeses come in 6-ounce portions for easy serving. The burrata is drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs and seasonings prior to packaging. Preparation is minimal. Warm it up; cut is open; and watch the filling flow out. The cheese can be spread on bread or crackers, or even served atop pasta. For more information, link HERE.

	BRIE GETS LAYERED WITH FLAVORS (posted June 9, 2016) Lactalis American Group Inc., introduced Brie Torte at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) this week in Houston, Texas. The 8-ounce brie rounds have a center layer of flavor. The new President Brie Torte soft-ripened cheese line is making its debut in a Chipotle & Tomato flavor, with Gingerbread entering the scene for the 2016 winter holidays. Other new varieties are in the works. They are: Artichoke & Garlic, Cheddar & Horseradish, Cheddar & Porter Ale, Spinach & Garlic, Thai Sweet Chili, and Toasted Onion. The tortes have a 46-day shelf life from date of packaging. For more information, link HERE.

	WORLD’S FIRST SPREADABLE ITALIAN CHEESE STARTS WITH PREMIUM WHEY (posted June 7, 2016) Bertozzi Corporation of America introduced the Gran Festa line of spreadable Italian cheeses at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) this week in Houston, Texas. Imported from Italy, Gran Festa comes from the Bertozzi Creamery, a family-owned dairy established in 1901. Artisanally crafted using high-quality whey, freshly ground spices and crispy vegetables, Gran Festa comes in three varieties: Garlic & Herb, Pink Peppercorn and Sweet Chili. The spreadable cheeses come in 8-ounce tubs, with a 2-tablespoon serving containing about 40 calories, 3.5 grams of fat and 1.5 grams of protein. The company explains that the spreads are made from the most nutritious part of milk: whey. The gluten-free, preservative-free spreads have a light and airy texture and mouthfeel with a rich, creamy flavor profile. For more information, link HERE.

	GOUDA, WITH SOME KICK (posted June 6, 2016) Red Apple Cheese introduced three trendy Gouda flavors at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) this week in Houston, Texas. New Honey Sriracha Gouda starts out with a slightly sweet taste, followed by a hint of garlic and finishing with just a touch of warmth, not heat. Mango Habanero, also starts sweet, but finishes with habanero heat. Hickory Smoked Bourbon Gouda delivers all the flavors its name suggests. All three offerings are made with the company’s proprietary Apple Smoked Gouda. The cheesemakers simply mixed taste with temperature. For more information, link HERE.

	FLAVOR ADVENTURE IN SINGLE-SERVE CHEESE STICKS The Sincerely, Brigitte brand will roll out three adult-flavored snacking cheeses at IDDBA. Brigitte Mizrahi, CEO of Anderson International Foods Inc., is a French cheese connoisseur, cheese blogger and the woman behind a number of specialty cheeses that first made their U.S. debut in March 2013. To read more, link HERE. The flavored cheese line was inspired by her passion for new flavors and adventure. At the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) meeting kicking off this Sunday in Houston, the brand will roll out three varieties of individually wrapped cheese sticks that target mature taste buds. Varieties are: Chipotle White Cheddar, Garlic Basil Monterey Jack and Tomato Olive Monterey Jack. Each 4.5-ounce bag contains six 0.75-ounce sticks. Each stick contains 80 calories, 6 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	COWS FIRST: CHEESE MADE FROM MILK FROM COWS TREATED LIKE FAMILY (posted May 26, 2016) Emmi introduced Kindred Creamery cheese at the National Restaurant Association Expo. The cheeses will also be showcased at IDDBA in two weeks! The people of Kindred Creamery believe in the importance of personal integrity, fairness, equity and responsibility to the community. The company believes that how you treat animals not only builds their contentment but leads to higher quality milk and the best possible cheese. That’s why the company created the Cows First program. Participating dairy farmers are regularly audited to ensure compliance with unique standards, which includes unfettered access to the outdoors, not treated with artificial growth hormones, no tail docking and no animal byproducts in feed. For their efforts, the farmers are paid a higher price for their milk. Meister cheese makes the Kindred Creamery cheeses. Currently there are 13 varieties, which come in a variety of forms, including horns, loafs, rounds and wedges. There are traditional varieties, such as Cheddar in milk, medium, sharp and hickory smoked; Colby Jack; Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack; and Smoked Gouda. There are also some unique flavors. They are: Forage Mushroom & Spring Onion Jack, Ghost Pepper Colby Jack, Spicy Sriracha Jack, Sweet Fire Mango Jack and Wild Ginseng & Garlic Jack. For more information, link HERE.

	HIGHER-PROTEIN CHEESE DEBUTS IN THE U.K. (posted May 12, 2016) Laurels Farm introduces eatlean cheese. New eatlean Protein Cheese is made just like any other regular cheddar using natural ingredients by real cheesemakers on a real dairy farm, according to the company. Lactose-free, a 100-gram serving contains 169 calories, 3 grams of fat and 37 grams of protein. Regular cheddar contains about 25 grams of protein. Based on this composition, the cheese is likely made using ultra-filtered milk. For more information, link HERE.

	SHAKEABLE SOFT CHEESES HIT THE SPECIALTY DELI CASE (posted May 4, 2016) Litehouse’s Simply Artisan Reserve brand introduces Simple Seasons. The new product line is the first real, finely crumbled soft cheese in a convenient, no waste, shakeable glass jar. To add Simple Seasons to any dish, just flip one of the two side flaps on the glass jar to sprinkle a little or a lot of feta or blue cheese to enhance any dish or recipe. Made by the master cheese crafters at Litehouse who have been making cheese for more than 50 years, Simple Seasons has just five ingredients: milk, salt, culture, enzymes and an agent to prevent caking. “We are excited to share this innovation that allows consumers to easily and conveniently enjoy soft cheese without creating waste,” says Margi Gunter, brand manager. “Now with a simple flick of the wrist, you can add just the right amount of cheese to everything from burgers to salads and soups.” The suggested retail price per 4.5-ounce jar is $5.49. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE BITES—THE NEW FIT FOOD (posted April 25, 2016) Probiotic Cheese Company introduces pasteurized cheese with probiotics. New Hampshire physician Mark Windt combined his passion for cheese with his medical expertise to develop a better-for-you snacking cheese. New Probiotic Cheddar Cheese Bites are naturally sugar/lactose and carbohydrate free while also being high in protein. The bites comes in two varieties: Original and Savory Pepper. Windt and his business partner Roxanne Barnes worked for more than three years with Vermont Farmstead Cheese to create a pasteurized cheese with a daily dose of probiotics. Sold in 5-ounce packages, the cheese comes in the shape of five individual curd pieces. The product line made its debut in select North Atlantic Whole Foods Markets with plans to expand nationwide by the end of 2016. For more information, link HERE.

	OMEGA-3 SNACKING CHEESES DEBUT (posted April 20, 2016) Omega Valley Farmers LLC, roll out better-for-you snack pack Co-Jack cheese. The individually wrapped 1-ounce snack sticks are sold in packs of 12 for about $5.50. Each stick delivers 128-grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega Valley Farmers sources its naturally-rich omega-3 milk from healthy, cared for animals from a select group of farms in Central Wisconsin. The farms are committed to excellence in farm practices, humane treatment and a diet monitored by first class animal nutritionists, according to the company. This group of family-run dairy farms follows a strict certification feeding program. This feeding protocol results in milk and cheeses that are naturally higher in omega-3 fatty acids. The farmers feed their cows a natural, land-based palatable combination of linseed and legumes mixed under controlled temperatures. For more information, link HERE.

	CRUNCHY 100% CHEESE SNACK (posted April 12, 2016) Canada’s Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Ltd., introduces Nothing but Cheese. This crunchy, gluten-free, on-the-go snack is made with 100% cheese. That’s it! Nothing but Cheese comes in two flavors: Cheddar and Monterey Jack with Peppers. A single-serve 18-gram bag contains 100 calories, 7 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. Nothing but Cheese is shelf stable and can be consumed as a crunchy snack or used as a topper for soups and salads. For more information link HERE.

	ETHNICALLY SEASONED FONTINA CHEESE (posted March 28, 2016) Arthur Schuman introduces Hand Rubbed Fontina Cheeses under its New Yellow Door Creamery brand. The new line of semi-soft, mild and creamy cows milk cheese makes its debut in three varieties: Habanero & Lime (a citrus finish with every bite of heat), Harissa (a smoky blend of chili, cumin and caraway seed) and Tuscan (a classic blend of Italian herbs and spices). Made using fresh Wisconsin milk, expert cheesemakers use traditional methods to create Fontina cheese, according to the company. The Fontina wheels are hand rubbed with vibrant spice blends from around the globe. Flavors can be custom developed by the company’s culinary team for private label. The Habanero & Lime Hand-Rubbed Fontina received a bronze medal in the Flavored Semi-Soft Cheeses category at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest. Here’s a full list of Arthur Schuman’s winning cheeses at this year’s contest: Aged Asiago Best of Class: Lake Country Dairy Organic Asiago Aged Asiago Silver: Cello Hand Crafted Asiago Flavored Semi-Soft Cheeses Bronze: Habanero & Lime Hand-Rubbed Fontina Gorgonzola Best of Class: Montforte Gorgonzola Natural Snack Cheese Best of Class: Cheddar Whisps Natural Snack Cheese Bronze: Parmesan Whisps Parmesan Best of Class: Cello Artisan Parmesan Soft Cheeses Fourth: Cello Rich and Creamy Mascarpone The World Championship Cheese Contest is held every two years and draws from more than 2,500 entries from cheese and butter makers from more than two dozen countries. For more information, link HERE.

	BOLDLY FLAVORED ORGANIC CHEDDAR CHEESE (posted March 23, 2016) Organic Valley expands the Kingdom Cheddar product line with two new varieties: Caramelized Onion and Cracked Pepper. The boldly flavored options join the original organic Kingdom Sharp Cheddar that made its U.S. debut at the end of 2013. You can read more about the original launch HERE. Made with organic milk from pasture-raised cows, Kingdom Cheddar is the first and only USDA Certified Organic British cheddar available in the U.S. “Kingdom Cheddars offer consumers bold and distinct flavors made in the British farmhouse tradition, and the new varieties are on trend and crave-worthy,” says Andrew Westrich, brand manager at Organic Valley. “It’s rewarding to see our partnership with Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative grow and expand through the Kingdom brand and its high-quality, farmhouse-style cheeses.” The farmers of the Kingdom brand are carefully selected organic family farms with a dedication to organic principles and to producing according to USDA organic standards. The small group of producers hail from the Southwest of England, also known as the birthplace of cheddar, and take pride in the organic production of the milk that makes Kingdom cheese. Kingdom cheeses have a suggested retail price of $7.69 per 6-ounce block. For more information, link HERE.

	FARMER’S CHEESE WITH FLAVOR (posted March 17, 2016) Yooli Foods introduces new concept to U.S. cultured dairy category. New Yooli Farmer’s Cheese Crème comes in Honey Lemon Zest, Strawberry and Vanilla varieties. Each 4.4-ounce single-serve cup contains 170 to 190 calories, 3.5 to 4.5 grams of fat, 12 to 19 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fiber and a whopping 16 to 19 grams of protein. Chief Executive Officer Yuliya Flynn explained at Natural Products Expo West that after coming to the U.S. from Eastern Europe she longed for the high-protein, flavorful, and not-too-sweet cultured dairy products that were part of her family’s culture. Based on farmer’s cheese, this artisan-style flavored cultured dairy product resembles rich, thick and creamy Greek yogurt melded with smooth, creamy cottage cheese. It’s the best of both. For more information, link HERE.

	NEW CHEESE SNACKS AND BOLD FLAVORS (posted March 3, 2016) Crystal Farms, the U.S.’s third-largest cheese company, adds Garlic Jack and two new snack value packs to its expanding line of cheese offerings to meet growing consumer demand for bold flavors, portable protein boosters and new snacking options. Crystal Farms pairs garlic, a popular flavor and cooking staple, with Monterey Jack in the all-new Garlic Jack cheese. Made with real garlic, Crystal Farms Garlic Jack is the first natural garlic cheese to be sold in the dairy section and is available in block and shredded varieties. Also joining the line-up are two new snack value packs. Spiral String Cheese is a twist of mozzarella and cheddar. There’s also a variety pack of classic Mozzarella String Cheese and Marble Jack Sticks. “Consumers are looking for portable snack solutions that assist in health management. Cheese snacks provide that convenient, naturally protein-rich solution,” says Katie Egan, senior brand manager. “Crystal Farms continues to offer consumers new flavors that help make mundane meals special. Garlic Jack is our latest addition to provide mainstream variety in the dairy set.” For more information, link HERE.

	PORTABLE CHEESE AND BREADSTICK SNACK (posted February 24, 2016) Bel Brands introduces The Laughing Cow Cheese Dippers. This new on-the-go shelf-stable snack comes in two varieties, both containing the brand’s original Creamy Swiss spreadable cheese. The variation is with the breadsticks: Classic or Tomato & Herb. Each 1.23-ounce pack contains 100 calories, 6 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein, and is void of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. The portion-control pack is available individually and in packs of five for a suggested retail price of $1.49 and $4.99, respectively. For more information, link HERE.

	BOLD FLAVORS OF SNACK-SIZE CHEESE STICKS (posted February 18, 2016) Sargento introduces multi-serve bags of snacking cheese. New Sargento Snack Bites come in 6-ounce bags containing about 42 sticks. A serving is about seven sticks (30 grams), with each stick containing less than 20 calories. Sargento Snack Bites come in four varieties: Chipotle BBQ Cheddar (mild cheddar with smoky BBQ seasoning), Colby-Pepper Jack (Monterey Jack with habanero and jalapeno), Savory Garlic & Herb Jack (Monterey Jack with garlic and herb seasoning) and Wisconsin Sharp Cheddar. For more information, link HERE.

	RAW CHEDDAR GETS SHREDDED (posted February 10, 2016) Organic Pastures, a fourth-generation family farm based in Fresno, Calif., introduces the first raw shredded cheddar cheese to the U.S. market. The cheese is made from 100% organic raw milk sourced from cows that pasture graze daily. The cheese is handcrafted using traditional artisan techniques. The company says it never warms the milk above 102 degree Fahrenheit, which allows for the development of a distinct milk aroma in this cheddar. In addition to cultures and enzymes, the only other ingredient is kosher sea salt. The company is also a supplier of retail packaged raw fluid milk. Very recently the company issued a voluntary recall of specific lots of raw whole milk that made it into distribution while quality and safety tests were still being performed. Some tests yielded unsatisfactory false negative results, and in response, the company issued the recall. For more information, link HERE.


	NEW SPECIALTY CHEESES FROM FRANCE AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT (posted February 1, 2016) France’s Milleret Fromager introduces three new flavorful specialty cheeses unique to the region. P’tit Grey is a soft cheese made with locally sourced pasteurized cows milk. Cheesemakers rub the product with vegetable-sourced ash to seal in the cheese, allowing the mold to better develop flavor. This is the result of the surface acidity being neutralized by the alkaline salt of the ash. The ash also absorbs excessive moisture to better manage the rate of mold activity. Roucoulons Noix is a naturally aromatized soft cheese. After two weeks of ripening, it is rubbed with natural walnut flavor. The Crème de Brie comes in 150-gram round tubs. It’s a spreadable cheese made by combining traditional French brie with butter. It can be used on crackers, in cooking or as a dip. For more information, link HERE.

	For more information on these cheeses, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	For more information on this cheese, as well as what's trending in the cheese category for 2016, link HERE to the January 29, 2016, Daily Dose of Dairy blog entitled: Specialty Foods Are Hot; Cheese Leads the Industry.

	PREMIUM CHEESES IN PORTION-CONTROLLED PACKS (posted January 19, 2016) BelGioioso Cheese introduces three new items that meet consumers’ needs for individual-sized, portion-controlled snacks. “Following on the heels of our enormously popular Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese, we decided to expand the line to include a Fontina Snacking Cheese,” says Sean Moran, vice president of sales. The 70-calorie Fontina Snacking Cheese contains three cubes in an individual 0.75-ounce package. The packs come in 6-ounce retail bags packed 10 per case. Individual packages are printed with the BelGioioso signature snacking smile logo. In addition, the company has created a 3-ounce Mini Mascarpone cup (18 cups per case) and a 5-ounce Mini Ricotta single-serve cup (12 cups per case). The mascarpone cups are a perfect size for a healthier spread option, with each serving at nearly half the calories of butter. The ricotta cups provide an individual serving of 16 grams of protein and 60% of the Daily Value of calcium and is packaged for use as a single serve breakfast option with fresh fruit and granola, or as a fresh, creamy dip for vegetables. BelGioioso Cheese is a family-owned and operated company specializing in artisan Italian cheesemaking made with fresh, local Wisconsin milk. For more information, link HERE.

	HIGHER PROTEIN CHEESE (posted January 13, 2016) In Australia, Kraft Higher Protein Cheese is an on-trend, low-fat food. Originally introduced in 2013 under the Kraft Livefree brand, the low-fat cheese claims to contain 80% less fat than other leading Australian brands. A 25-gram (0.88 ounces) serving contains 9.8 grams of protein and 1.4 grams of fat, which is possible through the addition of added milk solids. The cheese was developed in collaboration with Victorian dairy company Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, which is majority owned by Saputo. It is made in Australia with only natural ingredients. The cheese comes in block and grated formats.

	FROMAGER D’AFFINOIS CAMPAGNIER DEBUTS (posted November 26, 2015) Specialty French cheese producer introduces new washed-rind cheese to U.S. market. Fromagerie Guilloteau, one of France’s finest specialty cheese producers, introduces the newest member of its family: Fromager d’Affinois Campagnier. Produced using Fromagerie Guilloteau’s proprietary ultrafiltration process, which retains a higher concentration of nutrients and ensures creamier and richer cheeses, this soft-ripened, cows milk cheese presents a smooth and velvety texture--similar to a triple-cream--and displays salty, buttery and meaty flavors. Its thin, orange-colored rind comes from washing the rind in annatto extract, a plant-based bright yellow to deep orange colorant. “The newest cheese to our top-selling cheese line, Fromager d’Affinois, reflects our desire to share the ‘terroir’ of France with American consumers,” says Pierre Stéphane Leyrat, vice president of marketing and sales. “The orange-tinted rind is meant to invoke the color of the wheat fields where the Fromagerie Guilloteau cheeses are produced.” For more information, link HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the November 6, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the November 6, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE, as well as the October 16, 2015 blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE, as well as the October 16, 2015 blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	Read about this product by linking to the October 30, 2015, Daily Dose of Dairy blog HERE.

	SALTED CARAMEL MAKES ITS WAY INTO CHEDDAR CHEESE (posted October 28, 2015) Private-label retailer Aldi introduces two seasonal cheese varieties. Sold under its Happy Farms Preferred brand, Aldi is offering U.S consumers Salted Caramel and Cinnamon Apple cheddar cheeses. The former achieves the trendy taste profile through the addition of natural and artificial flavors. The latter includes real apple pieces and ground cinnamon, along with natural apple and cinnamon flavors. The seasonal cheddars come in 7-ounce chunks wrapped in opaque paper-like film. Like most cheddar cheeses, a 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories, 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein.

	FRESH, SEASONED APPETIZER CHEESE IN UPSCALE JAR (posted October 21, 2015) Latvia’s Trikata rolls out a line of premium appetizer cheeses. These soft, fresh, bite-sized cheese balls called Snowballs are rolled in premium seasonings. Varieties are: Fenugreek, Garlic, Paprika and Tomato & Basil. There’s also a classic (non-seasoned) variety. Hand-formed into little balls from fresh cows milk curd, Snowballs come packed in rosemary-infused canola oil, which functions as a natural preservative. Snowballs are sold in 240-gram plastic jars. The product has a 70-day refrigerated shelf life. For more information, link HERE.

	SNACKING CHEESE CUBES FOR GRILLING (posted October 14, 2015) Danish cheesemaker Nordex introduces pesto-infused grilling cheese. No-melt cheese intended for grilling on the stove or barbecue were very prominent at Anuga. Taverna Grill Cheese Snack Cubes with Green Pesto are designed to be grilled with a touch of oil in a pan until the surface browns. This gives the cheese a slight caramelized note. The sweetness of the caramelized surface provides a delicious contrast to the mildly salty cheese and the fresh green pesto, according to the company. The product received a Taste 15 award, which recognizes the top new products from this year’s Anuga. For more information, link HERE.

	NOSTALGIC CHEESE: THE FOUNDERS’ COLLECTION (posted October 5, 2015) Cabot Creamery introduces four premium, artisan cheeses that celebrate the cooperative’s early years, which began in 1919. The farmer owners of Cabot Creamery now offer the Founder’s Collection in 6-ounce squares. Varieties are: Adirondack: This cheese celebrates New York farmers’ traditional cheddar recipe with its distinctively tangy “upstate” bite. This cheddar carries hints of grapefruit and bergamot within a crumbly texture that still feels creamy and smooth. The creaminess of this cheese gets even more pronounced as it warms to tasting temperature. Lamberton: Commemorating one of Cabot’s founding farmers, F.C. Lamberton, this English-style cheddar has caramelized notes and a buttery bite. Orne Meadows: Commemorating one of Cabot’s founding cheesemakers, Tom Orne, this smooth -Alpine-style cheddar has a subtle, sweet nutty flavor profile. Private Stock: Inspired by the cooperative’s founding farmers, this cheddar is a savory extra-sharp masterpiece aged to perfection. It delivers the signature “Northeast bite” one expects from Cabot alongside a subtle, buttery smooth texture. For more information, link HERE.

	FARM-FRESH WHITE MILK USED IN NEW WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE (posted September 29, 2015) Darigold debuts an all-white natural cheddar cheese line. This is the local farmer-owned co-op’s first entry in the branded natural cheese category. To make this premium white cheddar, the co-op invested more than two years of recipe development and taste-testing to perfect the recipe, according to the company. Each batch is carefully aged and hand-selected by Darigold’s cheese master, who has more 30 years of experience making cheese. “Milk is white, so your cheese should be too,” says Randy Eronimous, senior directing of marketing at Darigold. “Darigold is thrilled to share our white cheddar with the public, after spending years perfecting the recipe. We test each batch to ensure the cheese has reached the right sharpness and flavor profile. Only the best-tasting batches make their way to your store shelves. From the farm all the way to your local grocer, we control every step of the process, helping to set a high standard for our cheese. Each shred, slice, wedge and block of our white cheddar lives up to the Darigold standard.” The naturally white cheddar cheese comes in medium, sharp and Mexican blend and offered in the following forms: loaf, sliced, shreds or a wedge (perfect for a cheese plate). The suggested retail pricing for medium 12-ounce wedges is $4.99; medium 24-ounce loaves is $7.99; and medium 8-ounce slices and shredded cheese is $3.99. Initial distribution is the Pacific Northwest U.S. For more information, link HERE.

	PRIVATE-LABEL CHEESE GETS HOT AND HOTTER (posted September 16, 2015) Private-label retailer Aldi introduces two varieties of Happy Farms Preferred spicy hot cheeses to the U.S. market. What’s hot? White Buffalo Wing Jack Cheese is made with habanero peppers. Labels state “all the flavor you love from buffalo wings crammed into a creamy cheese.” What’s even hotter? Ghost Pepper Jack Cheese is made with three peppers: jalapeno, habanero and ghost. Labels read “set your mouth aflame with this zesty cheese.” The Scoville scale measures the heat of peppers. The Bhut Jolokia pepper, also known as the ghost pepper, is recognized as the hottest pepper in the world. Based on Monterey Jack cheese, a 1-ounce serving of either variety contains 110 calories, 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. Both cheeses come in 7-ounce squares and retail for $2.99.

	BACON CHEDDAR DEBUTS FOR INTERNATIONAL BACON DAY (posted September 1, 2015) Crystal Farms introduces new flavor in both chunk and slice formats. Arriving just in time for International Bacon Day on Saturday, September 5, Crystal Farms’ new Bacon Cheddar features identifiable real bacon pieces throughout the creamy white cheddar-based pasteurized process cheese food. The product is designed to melt, making it great as a burger topper and recipe ingredient. “Bacon is everywhere. It’s in ice cream, gum and celebrated in festivals. Through consumer research, we arrived at the perfect ratio of bacon and cheddar. We expect consumers will love the mild, creamy white cheddar that is complimented perfectly by the real bacon in every bite,” says Katie Egan, senior brand manager for Crystal Farms. “It’s no secret bacon and cheddar are two popular ingredients and now Crystal Farms is marrying the two together in the refrigerated dairy aisle of the grocery store.” Some fun bacon facts: 53% of households always have bacon on hand. In 2014, grocery sales of bacon reached a record high of $4.6 billion. In 2014, bacon was served to over 1.1 billion people. Bacon appears in more than 40 food subcategories in grocery stores. The average American consumes 18 pounds of bacon (and 10 pounds of cheddar) every year. A 1-ounce serving of this new cheese (that is super delicious!) contains 90 calories, 7 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. Doing business since 1926, Crystal Farms, is a subsidiary of Michael Foods Inc. For more information, link HERE.

	FRESH CHEESE CRUMBLES (posted August 12, 2015) DeJong Cheese, a family-owned company in The Netherlands, has been producing conventional and organic curd, fresh and soft goat and cows milk cheese since 1995. The company’s new Cheese Crumbles is a first-of-its kind in the fresh cheese category, as it comes formed, in an easy-to-use format. The crumbles maintain shape through shelf life. The cheese was a finalist in the World Dairy Innovation Awards that took place in Amsterdam as part of the ninth Global Dairy Congress at the end of June. You can read more HERE. There are three varieties: Natural, Fine Herbs and Goat Cheese. The crumbles come in four different pack sizes--100 gram, 500 gram, 5 kilogram and 10 kilogram--for both retail and foodservice. For more information, link HERE.

	NEW MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE DAIRY PRODUCTS (posted August 5, 2015) Karoun Dairies grows its Blue Isle brand. Blue Isle Mediterranean Feta Cheese is made with a blend of the cow and goat’s milk, which has been aged and cured in brine to achieve a tangy, yet delicate taste. Blue Isle Mediterranean Sour Cream is made with all-natural ingredients in the Mediterranean old-country style with no stabilizers, just cream and cultures. Used for dips, toppings or to thicken soups and casseroles, this is an extremely versatile product that is available in Original and Lite. Karoun Dairies is a second-generation family business with multiple awards for excellence in the cheese and dairy industry. Accolades include World Cheese Awards, World Championship Cheese medals, U.S. Championships, California State Fair awards and in 2014, 1st Place for Blue Isle Original in the Labneh, Greek Style Yogurt, and Other Strained Yogurt Products category from the American Cheese Society. Karoun Dairies produces its products using premium milk from California cows that are free of artificial hormones and are Real California Milk certified. For more information, link HERE.

	FARMSTEAD MOZZARELLA AND CHEDDAR INNOVATIONS (posted July 20, 2015) Crave Brothers introduces three new artisan cheeses. Consumers seeking convenient protein snacks will welcome the latest additions to the Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics line of cheese. The new products include Farmer’s Rope Mozzarella Sticks in an 8-ounce package and a 1-pound Part-Skim Mozzarella Ball. The former is a convenient take-along snack for those with active lifestyles and busy families, while the latter is ideal for shredding onto pizzas, pasta dishes and fresh salads. There’s also 12-ounce bags of fresh Cheddar Cheese Curds, which are made fresh weekly and come in a mix of white and yellow curds. Cheddar Cheese Curds are great for snacking, entertaining and adding to summery salads. Family-owned and operated, Crave Brothers uses farm-fresh milk from the Crave family’s own dairy cows. The Crave Brothers farmstead cheese-making facility uses 100% green power and practices water conversation and recycling. Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese also has the distinction of being a carbon-negative company, as the operation produces more energy with its biodigester than it uses. For more information, link HERE.

	AGED CHEDDAR WITH EXTRAS…IN SPREADABLE FORMAT (posted July 14, 2015) Pretty Perfect shows consumers a new side of cheddar spreads. Shredded cheddar combined with mayo and pimiento is a southern U.S. traditional bread spread. This Alabama-based company takes its spreads to a new level. All varieties start with grated, aged (minimum of one year) white cheddar, and of course, use real mayonnaise. The three cheddar blends are: with Jalapeno and Pimiento, with Pancetta and Horseradish, and with Sundried Tomato and Lemon Zest. A 2-tablespoon serving contains 100 to 120 calories, 9 to 10 grams of fat and 5 to 7 grams of protein, depending on variety. The spreads are sold in 7-ounce containers at a suggested retail price of $6.49 to $7.99. For more information, link HERE.

	POPULAR PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD GETS A SOUTHERN TWIST (posted July 2, 2015) Bel Brands introduces Price’s Southern Style Pimento Cheese Spread. This twist to the U.S.’s best-selling pimento cheese spread involves the inclusion of mayonnaise, a southern tradition, and joins the original non-mayo line. Made with cheddar and cream cheeses, the new southern-style line comes in two varieties: regular and Spicy Jalapeno. The spread comes in 11-ounce tubs and retails for $5.99. Each 2-tablespoon serving contains 130 calories, 12 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. The product began shipping May 1. For more information, link HERE.

	FUN FORMAT FOR SNACKING CHEESE (posted June 25, 2015) Created by Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers, farmer-owned Burnett Dairy introduces Whips. This spaghetti-style format of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella is a new twist on snacking cheese. The cheese is sold in 8-ounce sharing packs. There are two varieties: Creamy Original and Homestyle Ranch. A 1-ounce serving contains 90 calories and 7 grams of protein. For more information, link HERE.

	PASTEURIZED CHEESE SNACKING STICKS (posted June 16, 2015) Old Fashioned Foods spotlights its new Snack Sticks at both IDDBA and FMI Connect. The industry got a sneak peak at these cheese snacks at the same shows a year ago, but this year they are ready for a national launch. These pasteurized process cheese snack sticks are sold in three packs, with each 0.80-ounce stick individually contained in easy-peel film that separates via perforation. The range includes BBQ, Cheddar, Habanero, Jalapeno and Pepper Bacon. Each stick contains 80 calories, 6 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.

	AMERICA’S FASTEST-GROWING IMPORTED AGED CHEDDAR GETS MINIATURIZED (posted June 7, 2015) Croc Bites is a new adventure in sharp cheddar cheese snacking. New Jersey-based Trugman-Nash, an affiliate of MCT Dairies, distributes Croc Bites Sharp Cheddar Cheese Snack. Made from milk from grass-fed cows, Croc Bites are aged nine months and pack in a rich, bold taste. Individually wrapped and ready to go, each 0.75-ounce Croc Bites serving contains a mere 90 calories. The cheese is imported from Australia, a land like no other when it comes to dairy farming. Its geographic isolation has meant that much of its flora and fauna is very different from species in other parts of the world. High rainfall, fertile soil and lush, green pastures encourage dairy farming in Australia. Did you know that Australia is a GMO-free country? This means that all Australian cheese, as is or in ingredient format, is GMO free, as exemplified in the Old Croc line. Croc Bites come in 8- and 24-retail packs and an 18-count club store option. For more information, link HERE.

	SEASONED GRATED PARMESAN PROVIDES LAYERS OF FLAVOR (posted May 15, 2015) Kraft Foods introduces four varieties of seasoned condiment cheese. The on-trend flavors—Classic Italian, Hot Pepper Trio, Rosemary & Garlic and Sundried Tomato & Basil—are designed to keep today’s adventurous diner sprinkling on the parm. The product line has had limited U.S. distribution since February and is now expanding nationally. Like other grated parmesan products, this line in shelf stable. A 2-teaspoon serving, of which there are 14 per 3-ounce plastic shaker canister, contains 25 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein.

	BOTANICAL-INFUSED CHEESE (posted May 13, 2015) Best Cheese Corporation debuts Melkbus 39 Lavender. This new raw milk Gouda is produced on a typical Dutch farm in the middle of Holland known as Het Groene Hart or “The Green Heart” of Holland. Infused with fragrant French lavender blooms, rosemary and thyme just prior to pressing and shaping, after 10 weeks of aging, the lavender’s slightly sweet flavor gives this indulgent and creamy cheese just the right balance of floral essence. Sold under the Uniekaas Dutch brand, Best Cheese Corporation is rolling out the cheese nationally in 11-pound wheels for in-store random-weight cuttings.

	PREMIUM CHEESE AND ANTIPASTO SNACK PACKS (posted May 6, 2015) Boar’s Head, a leading U.S. brand of premium delicatessen products, is making snacking during the lazy days of summer convenient and wholesome without compromising on quality or simplicity. The line includes five product families of portable items, including two cheese concepts. Cheese Snack Pouches come in three varieties. They are: a mellow Vermont Cheddar Cheese, an assertive and refined Gruyere Cheese, and a bold combo pack featuring the robust and intense flavors of 3 Pepper Colby Jack and Chipotle Gouda Cheeses. These cheese snacks come individually wrapped, making them a handy addition for a lunch bag or beach cooler. Antipasto Packs come in two combos. There’s Genoa Salame & Picante Provolone Cheese and Sopressata & Picante Provolone Cheese. These pre-sliced antipasto combinations can be stacked for a quick, savory, bite-sized treat, or arranged on an antipasto party platter for effortless entertaining. The other three concepts in the snacking line are jerky, hummus singles and hummus snack packs with pretzels. All items in the premium Boar’s Head snack line are made with no fillers, by-products, artificial colors or flavors, trans fat or gluten.

	HAND-TWISTED OAXACA CHEESE (posted April 21, 2015) Borden Dairy Company delivers the taste of Mexico to the U.S. with new imported cheese. LaLa Oaxaca Cheese is a stringy, hand-twisted queso with a smooth, mild flavor perfect for snacking. With a low melting point, the cheese creates a delicious and satiating quesadilla filling. A 1-ounce serving contains 85 calories, 6 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. The first offering arrives on retailers’ shelves this month in Southern California. The products will be available to Texas consumers later this year. “An estimated 10 million Hispanic individuals reside in Southern California, and they are interested in authentic Mexican brands with a genuine, made-in-Mexico taste. We are thrilled to bring some of Mexico’s most-loved LaLa products to our customers in the U.S. Whether they remember growing up with these brands or want to introduce them to their children, Borden is happy to deliver the true taste of Mexico,” says Jenica Oliver, senior director of brand marketing and innovation at Borden Dairy Company. “We have made it a top priority to keep formulations and packaging the same as in Mexico to ensure brand authenticity and nostalgia. It’s all about delivering the best of the best for those missing the tastes of home.” For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE THAT COOKS AND TASTES LIKE SAUSAGE (posted April 6, 2015) Oregon cheesemaker creates versatile cheese-based cooking protein. Named Cheesorizo, this versatile new product can be sautéed, baked or fried; making it a perfect salad topping, taco or pizza meat, and breakfast protein. “I wanted to create the very best-tasting product so I looked for the best raw ingredients I could find,” says Gianaclis Caldwell, a cheesemaker at Pholia Farm, Rogue River, OR, and long-time vegetarian. She had been craving a spicy, savory, satisfying, sausage-like food to enjoy with eggs, on salads, and in tacos. So she developed a cheese that cooks and tastes like sausage. Cheesorizo starts with a base of whole cows milk from nearby Umpqua Dairy. This is combined with other all-natural ingredients including apple cider vinegar (to coagulate the milk), high-quality spices and flavors, sea salt and nutritional yeast. “Retailers are placing it in their cheese cases as well as the meat-alternative sections,” says Christine DeMont, chief marketing officer. “Cheese aficionados and vegetarians alike are excited about the flavor and the versatility.” Cheesorizo comes in 6-ounce chubs in three flavors: Fiesta, Italian and Maple Sage. The refrigerated vegetarian product is free of GMOs, gluten, grains and soy. Cheesorizo entered the market in December 2014 and is available throughout Oregon, with distribution currently expanding into California. The suggested retail price is $5.99. For more information, link HERE.

	CHEESE AND PRETZELS GO “GOOD2GETHER” (posted March 19, 2015) Dairy Farmers of America introduces new Borden cheese snack. Portable GOOD2GETHER snack trays combine real, natural cheese and crunchy mini-twist pretzels in a prepackaged side-by-side container. “The snacking business continues to grow,” says Jennifer Collins, DFA brand manager. “Studies show snacking now represents half of all eating occasions and consumers are looking for interesting, less processed food in smaller-sized packages that can be eaten on the go. That is exactly what we have created in the new Borden Cheese GOOD2GETHER snacks.” There are four cheese cube options: Mild Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack and Pepper Jack. The 2.05-ounce package features an easy-to-peel-back lid, is an excellent source of calcium and contains 11 grams of protein per serving. For more information, link HERE.

	PORTION PACKS OF GOAT CHEESE (posted March 3, 2015) Saputo Specialty Cheese introduces Joan of Arc Goat Cheese Medallions. This is the newest extension to the brand’s line of traditional and flavored goat cheeses. The single-serve medallions are packaged as five 1-ounce individual portions in a convenient retail pack. Joan of Arc goat cheeses are made with the freshest and highest-quality goat milk collected from independent family farms, according to the company. They feature a mild and tangy flavor with a noticeably fresh aftertaste. The new goat cheese medallions provide a portion-controlled single serving of fresh and creamy chèvre perfect for on-the-go lunches and snacks. Serve with crackers, dried fruit and nuts for a filling meal or pair with crisp white wines for a well-rounded treat. For more information, link HERE.

	THIN CHEESE SLICES HELP CONSUMERS MANAGE CALORIES (posted February 26, 2015) Tillamook County Creamery Association, the farmer-owned cooperative and number-one natural cheese brand in the Western U.S., releases Really Thin Slices, delivering all the flavor and about half the calories of their Deli Sliced cheese. Tillamook best-selling sliced cheese varieties--Medium Cheddar, Sharp Cheddar, Pepper Jack and Swiss--are now available in a thinner slice, allowing consumers to enjoy premium natural cheese with only around 45 calories per slice. Made with all natural ingredients and the highest quality milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones, according to the company, Really Thin Slices were created for everyday enjoyment, providing portion-controlled convenience for health-focused shoppers. “We always strive to provide solutions to our customers’ needs and are pleased to now offer a product for cheese lovers who are looking for another portion-size option,” says Joe Prewett, director of product management and innovation. “We’re excited to deliver the taste, texture and quality of Tillamook Cheese in this more convenient cut.” In addition to introducing this new product, Tillamook also adds Smoked Provolone Slices to its lineup of natural cheese offerings. This delicate, semi-soft provolone is unique in that it is smoked naturally with hickory for six hours to achieve rich flavor and aroma. This naturally Smoked Provolone replaces Tillamook Provolone Slices.

	100% PARMESAN CHEESE IN ROUND CRISP FORMAT (posted February 10, 2015) Arthur Schuman introduced Cello Whisps at the Fancy Food Show in January. Whisps are made from just one ingredient, and that is Parmesan cheese, specifically, award-winning, copper-kettle Parmesan cheese crafted by the artisan cheesemakers of Wisconsin’s Lake Country Dairy. Discs of the cheese are baked into flavorful, airy, bite-sized snacks. Gluten-free, wheat-free and a source of healthy fats, according to the company, Whisps are great as is, or with soups and salads; as a pizza or sandwich topping, or as an accompaniment to olives, charcuterie or even more cheese. Whisps have an unopened shelflife of nine months. They remain crispy eight to 10 days after opening. No refrigeration required. One serving size of 18 grams (about 15 crisps) is 100 calories, 7 grams of fat and 9 grams of protein. Whips come in 2.12-ounce (60 gram) multi-serving bags. For more information, link HERE.

	PREMIUM SNACKING CHEESES WITH FLAVORFUL TWISTS (posted February 5, 2015) With convenience remaining a top priority for consumers, slices, shreds, spreads and snack sticks have made up a large share of the convenient products launched during the past year and will continue into 2015. Burnett Dairy Cooperative is introducing three new snacking cheese lines. There are three new flavors of string cheese: Hot Pepperoni Beef, Pepperoni Pizza and Zesty Teriyaki. These join Homestyle Ranch, Original and Smoked. Also new is String Whips, which is mozzarella cheese in a spaghetti-style format. It comes in Original and Ranch varieties. Complementing not only the snacking trend, but also the growing trend for local, gourmet and artisanal, the company now offers its handcrafted-in-small-batch artisan cheeses in cracker-size pieces. Artisan Cuts come in 6-ounce bags in seven varieties: Aged Cheddar, Bacon & Onion Colby, Colby, Fancy Jack, Italian Sundried Tomato Monterey Jack, Roasted Garlic Monterey Jack and Rosemary Herb Cheddar. For more information, link HERE.

	DUAL-COMPARTMENT GOOD-PROTEIN CHEESE SNACK (posted January 29, 2015) Sargento provided attendees of Dairy Forum 2015 a sneak peak at its new snacking concept. Sargento Balanced Breaks come in a dual compartment that resembles ying yang. Opposites do attract, and in fact, complement each other quite well in these snacks. One compartment houses cheese bites and the other dried fruits and nuts. Each single-serve pack contains 7g protein and 170 to 190 calories, depending on variety. Dairy Forum attendees were treated to three varieties: Natural Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salted Cashews & Golden Raisin Medley Natural White Cheddar Cheese, Sea Salted Roasted Almonds & Dried Cranberries Pepper Jack Natural Cheese, Honey Roasted Peanuts & Raisins

	DEBUTED AT THE FANCY FOOD: BLACK TRUFFLE BURRATA (posted January 20, 2015) The Italian fresh cheese burrata is handcrafted domestically by BelGioioso, Green Bay, WI. The company decided to take its award-winning burrata up a notch by adding black truffles. BelGioioso Black Truffle Burrata starts with the freshest Wisconsin milk, with the cheese made to order just hours after milking. Each handcrafted mozzarella pouch is filled with a rich straciatella, a special creamy filling. Now that filling contains a seasoning of black summer truffles. The new variety comes in 4-ounce hand-formed balls packaged in 8-ounce retail cups with water for an extended refrigerated shelf life of up to 37 days. For more information, link HERE.

	FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND SEASONED NATURAL CHEESE DEBUTS AT FANCY FOOD SHOW (posted January 14, 2015) Wisconsin-based Sartori launches new Citrus Ginger BellaVitano Cheese. Citrus Ginger BellaVitano is hand rubbed with a unique and exotic blend of spices including ginger, onion, garlic, red bell pepper and citrus. The flavors work well with the slightly fruity, creamy, tangy notes of the company’s signature BellaVitano cheese. Like with all of Sartori’s treated cheeses, the idea is to create a balance among flavors; to allow each flavor to contribute equally. “When our internal sensory team first tried this cheese, there was a lot of positive feedback. Many enjoyed the punch from the ginger, the sweetness from the red bell pepper and the citrus finish,” says Susan Merckx, marketing director. “We’ve been working on this cheese for a couple of years now and I couldn’t be more proud of the hard work and determination from our team members,” said Jim Sartori, CEO and owner. Citrus Ginger BellaVitano will be available year-round at specialty cheese shops across the United States beginning this February. For more information, visit www.sartoricheese.com.

	COCONUT-FLAVORED CHEESES (posted December 29, 2014) Riding the wave of coconut water’s popularity, the flavor of coconut makes its way into cheese thanks to innovative product development efforts by Canadian-based Saputo. Marketed under the La Fromagerie Alexis de Portneuf brand, the two news cheese are Triple Crème Brie Coco and Snow Goat Coconut. Triple Crème Brie Coco is a triple-cream, surface-ripened cheese. Creamy and unctuous, with a light mushroom and nut-flavored bloomy rind, the new offering contains a delicate balanced taste of coconut giving this specialty cheese a tropical spin. The limited-edition offering comes in 125-gram rounds for easy merchandising. There are also 1.2 kilogram rounds for cutting and wrapping in retail cheese departments. Snow Goat Coconut is a blend of goat and cows milk. It is a fresh spreadable cheese with a soft body and mild flavor with a hint of coconut, which delivers an exotic, nutty flavor that is slightly sweet. Like cream cheese, Snow Goat Coconut is very versatile and can be used as a bagel spread, as well as in baking and cooking. The cheese comes packaged in 125-gram case-ready rounds and 1 kilogram logs for cutting and wrapping in cheese departments. Both new cheeses use eye-catching graphics on the packaging to communicate the coconut flavor.

	FOUR-YEAR VINTAGE CHEDDAR IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (posted December 24, 2014) Tillamook debuts its oldest cheddar ever. Recently released, this limited-edition Four-Year Vintage Extra Sharp White Cheddar comes in 18-ounce wedges. Each block of cheddar cut for this vintage offering was naturally aged for more than four years in order to achieve the perfect creamy, crumbly texture with larger, more developed tyrosine crystals and supremely sharp flavor. The premium cheese retails for $7.29. For more information, visit www.tillamook.com.

	TRIO PACK OF AWARD-WINNING CHEESES (posted December 16, 2014) Indulac offers Martins & Rebello Trio Reserve, a sampling of premium cheeses in an innovative package. The Rebello family is a pioneer of cheese making in Portugal, dating back to 1901. Now on its 4th generation, the Martins & Rebello brand is recognized by the quality and personality of its products. The company offers a range of traditional Portuguese cheeses made with blended milk (cow and sheep), as well as single-milk cheeses made from cow, goat and sheep. New Trio Reserve offers consumers a sampling of three of Indulac’s finest award-winning Portuguese cheeses. There’s a hard goat milk cheese, a semi-soft blended milk cheese and a soft sheep milk cheese. These cheeses have won multiple bronze, silver and gold awards in local and global cheese competitions. Each cheese in the pack is about 75 grams, for a total of 225 grams of cheese. This trio pack is designed to offer consumers a “gastronomic tour” of the Portuguese cheese landscape, according to the company. This product, available for export, was launched in mid-2014 and is already distributed in several countries. The refrigerated shelf life is 8 months. For more information, visit www.indulac.pt.

	FLAVORFUL FETA THAT YOU BAKE AND SERVE (posted December 9, 2014) Kourellas Dairy markets a convenient cheese appetizer that is oven-ready right from the store. BakEat Feta comes in a ceramic pot. The consumer simply removes the plastic cover and bakes it in a preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese browns. The appetizer is a blend of sheep’s milk feta cheese, green peppers, sundried tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and oregano. Established in 1960, Kourellas Dairy is a medium-sized dairy in the mountainous region of Grevena in Greece. The vertically integrated company own its farms and cultivates its land. The company even developed a modern animal feed business so it can control the quality of feed to ensure the highest quality dairy products. The company produces innovative and traditional cheeses, yogurts and fermented milks. Six of them are PDO (protected designation of origin). About 80% of the company’s production is exported to countries such as Australia, England, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland under either of its two own brands—Biopan and Familia—or by producing private-label products. For more information, visit www.kourellas.gr.

	CHEESE SHAPES UP (posted December 1, 2014) Horizon introduces Cheese Shapes for snacking. WhiteWave Foods sells its new snacking cheeses exclusively through Target stores. There are two offerings. Cheddar comes in stars and flowers, while Colby comes in squares and triangles. The new snacking cheeses are sold in 5.5-ounce bags that include a callout of “good source of protein.” A 1-ounce serving, approximately a half-cup, contains 110 calories, 9 grams of fat and 180 milligrams of sodium.

	LIMITED-EDITION GIFT BASKET CREATES URGENCY TO PURCHASE (posted November 27, 2014) Sartori Co., is only selling 200 gift baskets that contain its finest cheeses. The gift baskets, sold exclusively online for $124.99, contain the company’s most exclusive limited-edition cheese, Cognac BellaVitano. Crowned “Best USA Cheese” and placing in the top-3 at the World Cheese Awards in 2011, this highly sought after cheese is also available for a limited time on its own at specialty cheese shops across the States. Cognac BellaVitano is extra-aged, matured for at least 18 months. After the aging process, it is submerged in a premium cognac and is only ready for sale when Sartori Master Cheesemakers believe it is just right. The end result is a unique and complex celebration of smoky, nutty, oaky flavors with toasted notes of vanilla and caramel from the cognac. Sartori’s Limited Edition Gift Basket includes a selection of five limited-edition cheeses: Cognac BellaVitano, Extra-Aged Goat, Pastorale Blend, Peppermint BellaVitano and Cannella BellaVitano. As an added bonus, each gift basket includes a set of four Sartori wine charms, a Sartori-engraved cheese knife and cutting board. “We are very excited to share our hand-crafted limited-edition products over this holiday season,” says Sue Merckx, marketing director. “We hope they are passed around many tables and brighten the days of our customers, their families and friends.” For more information, visit www.sartoricheese.com.

	KICKING UP THE HEAT IN SHREDDED CHEESE (posted November 17, 2014) Kraft Foods adds a range of pepper heats to its shredded cheese line. The focus is on the peeper source and the level of heat provided. The new line consists of extra hot, hot and medium varieties. Hot Habanero is extra hot. It’s shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno and habanero peppers. Jalapeno is hot. It’s shredded cheddar cheese with green and red jalapeno peppers. Pepper Jack is medium heat. It’s shredded Monterey Jack cheese with green and red jalapeno peppers.

	AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CHEESES GET SHREDDED (posted November 4, 2014) Cacique, the leading brand of Hispanic cheeses, creams, yogurts and chorizos in the U.S., is launching a brand new line of Mexican-style shredded cheese blends. The four new shredded cheese varieties offer a balance of authentic flavor and taste using the company’s traditional recipes and preparation methods. Varieties are: Dos Quesos Blend, Four Quesos Blend, Queso Cotija Grated Cheese and Queso Quesadilla Shredded Cheese. These new blends further expand Cacique’s selection of products designed for home-cooked Mexican cuisine and give customers the option to pair convenience in the kitchen with 100% authentic ingredients. Cacique’s newest product line was created in response to customer demands for truly authentic Mexican-style cheese blends. “American consumers have realized that the so-called ‘Mexican-style cheese blends’ they’ve been buying are usually filled with inauthentic cheeses like Cheddar, Colby or Jack,” says Tirso Iglesias, vice president of sales and marketing for Cacique Inc. “Buyers of shredded cheese deserve a product that is 100% Auténtico, and we’re proud to offer authentic Mexican-Style blends that feature cheeses like Cotija, Asadero, Manchego, Quesadilla and Oaxaca.” For more information, visit www.caciqueinc.com.

	HOLIDAY-INSPIRED CHEESES (posted October 29, 2014) BC-USA adds two new cheese varieties to its annual holiday lineup. Sold under its Alouette brand, new Cranberry Apple Spice Soft Spreadable Cheese joins Pumpkin Spice and Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes Soft Spreadable Cheeses for the 2014 holiday product lineup. The new flavor offers a unique blend of cranberries, apples and cinnamon. There’s also new Alouette Brie Fondue, a 4-minute microwaveable fondue featuring brie cheese, a white wine reduction and spices. The new concept makes it easy for holiday entertainers to serve a rich, creamy gourmet fondue perfect for dipping bread, fruit, veggies and more.

	GAME SAUSAGE AND WISCONSIN CHEESE SPREADS (posted October 22, 2014) Hunters Reserve blends game meat with cheese for a flavorful spread. This Minnesota-based game meat purveyor now offers gourmet cheese spreads. Available in foil-sealed 3.5-ounce cups--individually, in variety gift packs or three same cups in a 10.5-ounce ceramic crock with lid—the shelf-stable dips can be served hot or cold. Each gourmet cheese cup contains a unique blend of creamy Wisconsin cheese surrounded by tiny morsels of the company’s signature wild game summer sausages. Varieties are: Bison & Chipotle Cheddar Cheese Elk & Roasted Garlic Cheese Pheasant & Smoked Gouda Cheese Venison & Queso Cheddar Cheese For more information, visit www.huntersreserve.com.

	AMERICA’S FASTEST-GROWING IMPORTED CHEDDAR GETS SMOKED (posted October 9, 2014) Trugman?Nash LLC, introduces its newest taste adventure from the “Land Down Under.” It’s Old Croc Applewood Smoked Sharp Cheddar. Imported from Australia, this naturally smoked cheddar is a new addition to Old Croc’s selection of bold cheddar cheeses. Carefully aged and smoked with real applewood, Old Croc Applewood Smoked Cheddar combines the bite of sharp white cheddar with the smooth, savory flavor of smoked applewood. Like all of Old Croc’s all-natural cheeses, this new variety is non?GMO and crafted with milk from grass fed cows. “Old Croc Smoked Sharp Cheddar has been over a year in the making. It was very important for us to develop this cheese with just the right balance between our cheddary bite and the savory touch of applewood smoke,” says Ken Meyers, CEO. “The flavor of the naturally smoked applewood not only complements but really enhances the bold flavor and richness that Old Croc’s aged cheddars have become known for.” The cheese comes in 6-ounce retail packs, 24-ounce club-size packs, and 5-pound loaves. For more information, visit www.oldcroccheese.com.

	INNOVATIVE CHEESE FLAVORS FROM UPSTATE NEW YORK (posted September 11, 2014) Yancey’s Fancy layers multiple flavors in its new cheese offerings. Chastinet is described as a sharp and snappy asiago-style cheese. It has a buttery flavor with a slight nutty flavor. Bacon Cheddar is a pasteurized process aged cheddar cheese containing real bacon pieces. Bacon Cheeseburger is a pasteurized process aged cheddar cheese containing real bacon pieces and natural seared beef flavor for a “fresh off the grill” experience. Naturally Wood Smoked Sharp Cheddar is cured on Canadian hardwood shelves and aged for more than nine months. It is described as a slightly sharp and creamy, raw milk cheddar with a smooth wood smoked flavor. All of the cheeses come in large waxed wheels for the cheese department to cut random weight wedges, as well as pre-packaged wedges. For more information, visit www.yanceysfancy.com.

	CREAMY CHEESE SPREAD GETS SOME HEATED KICK (posted August 19, 2014) The Laughing Cow spreads snack inspiration across New York City. This past Tuesday (August 12, 2104), thousands of New Yorkers joined The Laughing Cow and community actress Gillian Jacobs in Times Square to experience what it means to “Reinvent Snacking.” Jacobs chatted with fans and attendees about their snacking habits and some of her favorites that keep her happy on set, while the brand showed them how to make snack time something to savor. Event attendees were encouraged to take a break from the bustle, sit down and enjoy 15,000 snack packs featuring The Laughing Cow Spreadable Cheese Wedges and creative snack combinations. With digital billboards featuring simple white imagery of the creamy cheese to break through the chaos of Times Square, and impactful brand visuals throughout the event space, including a 26-foot-tall version of the Cow herself, the event served as the official kick-off to the brand’s new advertising and marketing campaign, which encourages consumers to “Reinvent Snacking” by bringing back mindful satisfaction to their snacking experiences. The campaign is complete with a new TV ad, new packaging for The Laughing Cow Spreadable Cheese Wedges, a freshly designed website and a new flavor variety: Spicy Pepper Jack. With this campaign, Bel Brands USA, the makers of The Laughing Cow Spreadable Cheese Wedges, is now targeting the brand’s communication to an expanded audience of men and women who desire a great taste experience first and foremost, while seeking balance and moderation in their snack choices. Bel Brands USA is the U.S. subsidiary of Fromageries Bel, a world leader in branded cheeses, based in Paris, France. “We believe that consumers deserve to stop and have a mindful, satisfying snack experience each day,” says Bel Senior Director of Marketing Dan Waters. “Rather than focusing on calorie levels that lead us down a path of restriction, in our new campaign, we have chosen to focus on the product’s true benefits: its delicious taste and rich, creamy texture. We think that The Laughing Cow Spreadable Cheese Wedges give consumers a snack that is truly worthy of sitting and savoring rather than mindless munching.” The new zesty flavor addition, Spicy Pepper Jack, retails for $3.69 per round of eight wedges. Each 21-gram wedge contains 35 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein. It joins Original Swiss; Light Swiss; Swiss Garlic & Herb; Queso Fresco Chipotle; White Cheddar; Mozzarella, Sundried Tomato & Basil; and Swiss French Onion, bringing the line to a total of eight flavors. For more information, visit www.thelaughingcow.com.

	SOFT CHEESE IN TRENDY FLAVOR COMBINATIONS (posted August 12, 2014) Woolwich Dairy adds four unique flavors to its Chevrai line of fresh unripened goat cheese. The four new flavors are: Fig & Balsamic, Lemon & Lime, Sweet Pepper Heat and Thai Fusion. Chevrai is a traditional rich and creamy cheese made from fresh goat milk. It has a light, tangy taste with a smooth finish, slices and spreads easily, and maintains its shape when heated or browned in an oven/broiler. The new cheeses come in 4-ounce packs. In the U.S., goat milk and products made with goat milk, most notably cheese (chevre), continue to experience steady growth as consumers learn that goat milk tastes similar to cow milk, is equally nutritious and is easier to digest. They are easier to digest because of the smaller fat globules, as compared to cow milk. Goat milk also contains less lactose than cow milk. The smaller fat globules yield a smooth, creamy mouthfeel in applications, even without homogenization, hence the soft, spreadable texture of most goat cheese. To learn more about “Goat: The Other White Milk,” link HERE. For more information, visit www.woolwichdairy.com.

	FAMILY HEIRLOOM CHEESE FOR COMPANY’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY (posted July 23, 2014) Sartori just released a limited-edition 18-month BellaVitano. In honor of the company’s 75th anniversary, this exclusive cheese will be available on a limited basis for the remainder of 2014. Up until the release, Sartori’s 18-month BellaVitano had previously been set aside for family. Now, the Sartori family wants to share this special cheese with all. “It’s our 75th anniversary this year and we wanted to find additional ways to share our history with others,” says Jim Sartori, CEO and third generation owner. “We thought maybe we could share a family treasure and that’s when we decided to release our 18-month BellaVitano.” Sartori’s 18-month BellaVitano cheese has wonderfully fruity, caramelized nutty flavors. “We test the cheese at various times throughout the aging process,” says Sartori Master Cheesemaker Mike Matucheski. “As the cheese matures, the flavors become more pronounced and the texture of the cheese alters. This cheese is creamy, yet crumbly due to the aging.” The cheese is for sale in specialty cheese retail shops across the U.S. and online at Sartori’s cheese shop. For more information, visit www.sartoricheese.com.

	NEW PROTEIN AND CHEESE SNACK LACKS CARBS AND GLUTEN (posted June 26, 2014) Cheesewich is a unique hand-held combo of cheese and salami. It was designed with today’s fast-paced health-conscious consumer in mind. This fast grab-and-go meal of salami sandwiched between two slices of cheese provides 160 to 170 calories and 6 to 8 grams of protein, depending on variety. There are three varieties, with all using high-quality hard salami. The cheese is Deutsch Kase Haus brand, and is either Colby Jack, Mild Cheddar or Pepper Jack. Each 2.5-ounce vacuum-sealed serving has a refrigerated six-month shelf life. They come 24 to a box that functions as a merchandiser for refrigerated retail space. The Cheesewich was nominated as one of the Top-5 Innovative Products at the 2014 Sweets & Snacks Expo. For more information, visit www.cheesewich.net.

	INCREDIBLY MELTING SHREDDED CHEESE (posted June 18, 2014) Dairy Farmers of America introduces Borden Incredi-Melts. The new line of shredded pasteurized prepared cheese product comes in three flavors: Cheddar, Mexican and Mozzarella. The line is described as “the secret ingredient for melty magic.” As an excellent source of calcium, the company says these pasteurized process shreds can be swapped for use in any recipe calling for traditional natural cheese shreds. The news shreds comes in 8-ounce zipper pegged pouches. For more information, visit www.friendsofelsie.com.

	GOURMET ON-THE-GO CHEESE (posted June 9, 2014) Jarlsberg now comes in mini form. Norseland Inc., has transformed this well-recognized specialty cheese brand into a snack item for new usage occasions. Crafted to replicate the renowned Jarlsberg wheel, the new mini version made its initial debut at the Winter Fancy Food Show in January, with a more official launch occurring at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) meeting in Denver in early June. Jarlsberg is a 100% natural semi-soft, part-skim cheese that has a mild, mellow, yet nutty flavor profile. Each 0.7-ounce snack containing 70 calories, 6 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. Each snack is a good source of calcium and protein. The cheese snacks are dipped in wax and wrapped in cellophane. The five-pack bag is peggable for easy merchandising. For more information, visit www.jarlsbergusa.com.

	FLAVOR ADVENTURE IN A CHEESE SLICE (posted June 5, 2014) The Sincerely, Brigitte brand rolls out four sliced cheese varieties that explode with flavor. Brigitte Mizrahi, CEO of Anderson International Foods Inc., is a French cheese connoisseur, cheese blogger and the woman behind a number of specialty cheeses currently in the U.S. market, including the Sincerely, Brigitte line, which made its initial debut in March 2013 with six innovative flavors in 7-ounce chunks: Blue Marble (with white cheddar), Chipotle (with white cheddar), Garlic Basil (with Monterey Jack), Jalapeno Cilantro (with Monterey Jack), Parsley Chives (with Monterey Jack) and Tomato Olive (with Monterey Jack). The flavored cheese line was inspired by her passion for new flavors and adventure. After a highly successful launch, Brigitte traveled the globe to identify new flavors that would deliver the same adventurous spirit but with even bolder flavor combinations. She added four new chunk varieties to the line in January 2014. They are: Harissa (with Monterey Jack), Orange Ginger (with Monterey Jack), Tarragon Ginger (with Monterey Jack) and Wasabi (with white cheddar). At the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) meeting in Denver, she introduced four of the most popular chunk varieties in slice form. The four are: Blue Marble (with white cheddar), Garlic Basil (with Monterey Jack), Tomato Olive (with Monterey Jack) and Wasabi (with white cheddar). The slices come in convenient recloseable 7-ounce zipper packs for retail. Larger volume packs are available for foodservice to assist culinary specialists with creating bolder, adventurous sandwiches. She also added two more chunk varieties: Lemongrass Ginger (with Monterey Jack) and Moroccan Spice (with Monterey Jack). For more information, visit www.sincerelybrigitte.com.

	EVERYTHING BAGEL CHEDDAR CHEESE (posted June 2, 2014) The farmer owners of Cabot Creamery introduce cheddar cheese hand rubbed with the flavors and seasonings of an everything bagel. Making its debut at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) meeting in Denver, new Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese contains onion, garlic, spices and poppy seeds. It is sold in 8-ounce chunks and is perfect for the specialty cheese or dairy cheese case. A 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories, 9 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.cabotcheese.coop.

	SPREADABLE FETA IN SWEET AND SAVORY FLAVORS (posted May 29, 2014) Ezra’s Dairy introduces Creamed Feta Cheese. The family-owned company has been producing feta cheese in the Mediterranean region for more than 100 years. The recipes have been passed from generation to generation. The company has teamed up with Bunker Hill Cheese Co., to bring its authentic feta to the United State. Unlike traditional-style feta that is very crumbly and in many cases sold as crumbled feta, Ezra’s Feta is creamy and smooth. When blended with Bunker Hill’s ricotta cheese, the two together make a unique cheese that can be spread onto crackers or sandwiches, or used as a dip for chip, fruits and veggies. The product comes in four flavors: Dark Chocolate, Kalamata Olive, Original and Roasted Red Pepper. The Creamed Feta Cheese made its debut in mid-May at the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. The foodservice sizes are 3- and 5-pound tubs. The retail version is debuting this coming weekend (June 1) at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery-Association (IDDBA) annual convention in Denver. The retail pack is 8 ounces. For more information, visit www.bunkerhillcheese.com.

	CONVENIENCE FETA FOR GREEK SALADS AND MORE (posted May 14, 2014) Litehouse brings feta cheese crumbles to the produce department. Consumers are now able to pick up all their favorite salad ingredients--from greens and tomatoes to dressing and feta crumbles--in one easy stop in the produce aisle as salad takes a huge turn towards the convenient. Starting May 1, this popular salad cheese is now being merchandised in the produce department right next to the salad makings. “We listened to consumers and know they don’t have a lot of time for grocery shopping, but they still want to create delicious and healthy meals for their families,” says Margi Gunter, brand manager at Litehouse Foods. “It also meets the needs of the retailers with specialized packaging that allows for both horizontal and vertical placement for a better product billboard.” Litehouse hand-crafted feta is made with milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormones. It is a firm, yet crumbly gluten-free cheese that delivers a tart and salty flavor. For more information, visit www.litehousefoods.com.

	EIGHT NEW SPECIALTY CHEESE VARIETIES FOR EVERYDAY (posted April 30, 2014) New Sargento Tastings are specialty snack chunk cheeses that transform every day into a savored moment. “Specialty cheeses are now accessible and conveniently located in the dairy aisle,” says Chris McCarthy, director of marketing for the Sargento Consumer Products Division. “With Sargento Tastings, everyone can explore a variety of specialty cheeses from a name they know and trust. They are perfect for a casual get-together or a satisfying solo snack.” Sargento Tastings are cut from real block cheese and come in eight varieties to satisfy everybody’s palate, every day. Some of the cheeses are familiar, while others are completely new. They are: Aged Wisconsin Cheddar, Aged Vermont White Cheddar, Bruschetta Jack, Creamy Havarti, Fiesta Pepper Jack, Medium Asiago, New Zealander and Parmentino. Carefully crafted into unique shapes and sizes, the cheeses are perfectly paired with favorite foods and wine. Sargento Chef Ulrich Koberstein offers these serving suggestions: Aged Wisconsin Cheddar: The aged Wisconsin Cheddar is matured for 12 months to bring out its sharp, nutty flavors that work well with Granny Smith apple slices and roasted almonds. Aged Vermont White Cheddar: This cheese is delicately ripened for 12 months to bring out its unique, matured taste. The flavor works well with roasted almonds or a glazed nut blend to complement its sharpness. Bruschetta Jack: The flavor of traditional Monterey Jack cheese is infused with tomato, basil and garlic to deliver the unique taste of Bruschetta Jack. Cubed or sliced Bruschetta Jack will taste delicious atop a crostini. Creamy Havarti: Named after Havarthigaard, Denmark--the birthplace of Havarti--this creamy variety is made with extra cream for a more luxurious texture. It pairs well with dark rye bread or roasted peppers. Fiesta Pepper Jack: Four pepper varieties make up Fiesta Pepper Jack, including sweet chili, jalapeno, serrano and habanero. It pairs well with pineapple and seedless green and red grapes. Medium Asiago: This semi-hard cheese boasts deep, sharp and buttery notes with a firm texture. Spicy nuts and peppers delightfully pair with the cheese to bring out its smooth and nutty tones. New Zealander: The golden hue emanating from this cheese is attributed to cows’ grass-fed diets near Mount Egmont. The flavor is a bit nutty and complements oven-baked pita crackers with sea salt or something sweeter like marmalade. Parmentino: Parmesan is expertly blended with English Cheddar craftsmanship to create this variety that mixes full-bodied flavor with some tangy notes. It offers a remarkably delicious and savory experience, pairing well with figs, raisins and walnuts. Sargento Tastings come in 3.25- to 3.95-ounce varieties for a suggested retail price of $2.69 to $2.89 each. For more information, visit www.sargento.com.

	LEGACY CHEESES DEBUT IN DAIRY CASE (posted April 23, 2014) The farmer owners of Cabot Creamery introduce the Farmers’ Legacy Collection, which is a new line of high-quality cheddar cheeses for the dairy case that just so happen to come with an eye-catching, unique look. The Farmers’ Legacy line consists of three distinct flavors in one impressive tasting collection that is specifically designed for consumers who crave indulgent, high-quality cheese at dairy case prices. Varieties are: Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar: This bold and creamy aged cheddar surprises consumers with a Northeast bite. It is the sharpest cheddar profile Cabot offers in the dairy case. Typically aged longer than any other dairy bar, the Farmhouse Reserve is carefully crafted and hand-selected for this exclusive collection. Alpine Cheddar: This decadent Alpine-style cheddar has hints of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses. Made using a proprietary blend of cultures to deliver a truly innovative and unique flavor profile, this cheese pays tribute to the centuries-old techniques of Swiss and Italian Alpine cheese making. White Oak Cheddar: This classic British-style cheddar was inspired by the award-winning Cabot Clothbound. The White Oak recipe uses the same blend of cultures used to make the Cabot Clothbound but is aged 100% in Cabot facilities. The cheese boasts a subtle caramel sweetness with hints of toasted nuts. The Farmers’ Legacy Collection will be nationally distributed in 2014. Each variety comes in a 6-ounce bar and is adorned in eye-catching, upscale foil packaging with a bold glossy finish. Cabot Creamery is a farmer-owned cooperative with some 1,200 farmer/members located throughout New England and New York. For more information, visit www.cabotcheese.coop.

	BOO! CHEESE WITH REAL KICK (posted April 17, 2014) Ghost Pepper cheese debuts for foodservice. Hot is hot! “The hotter, the better” is the feeling of an ever-increasing number of consumers. In response, U.S. Foods Inc., a major foodservice distributor in the States, is the first to offer operators 100% Wisconsin Jack cheese containing genuine ghost peppers--the hottest naturally occurring, non-hybrid peppers known to man. Sold under the Glenview Farms label, this cheese comes in 1.5-pound packs containing 24 square 1-ounce slices with paper interleaf. There are six packs to a case. By itself, this cheese is dangerously hot. The ghost pepper is up to eight times as hot as a habanero. The peppers provide a consistent, constant burn on a burger and in a smokin’ bold dip, according to the company. The slices have amazing melt, just as one expects with a Jack cheese. Each 1-ounce slice contains 110 calories and 9 grams of fat. For more information, visit www.usfoods.com.

	BOLD-FLAVORED SPREADABLE CHEESES FROM ALOUETTE (posted March 21, 2014) Read about them in the blog entitled "Clean Label Dairy Series: Opportunities in Process Cheese" HERE. The line includes: Smoky Jalapeño, Flame-Roasted Red Peppers, Buffalo Cheddar and Wasabi Cheddar Soft Spreadable Cheeses. “Today’s consumers are looking for unique, bold flavors that enhance their snacking and entertaining experiences,” says Jeff Magnuson, associate brand manager. “Alouette is dedicated to great flavor and our new cheeses deliver. These four cheeses will give consumers an exciting new experience while bringing big, fresh flavors to the deli section.” The Smoky Jalapeño Soft Spreadable Cheese features a unique blend of jalapeños, cilantro, onion and grilled charcoal notes, while the Flame-Roasted Red Peppers Soft Spreadable Cheese offers a combination of savory roasted red peppers, garlic and spices with grilled charcoal notes. Both products are ideal for dipping with veggies, pretzels or for spreading on your favorite cracker. Spicing up the cheddar lineup, Buffalo Cheddar and Wasabi Cheddar Soft Spreadable Cheeses both feature vibrant flavors of 12-month-aged cheddar with a punch of heat, making them perfect for entertaining dips or for any-time snacking. For more information, visit www.alouettecheese.com.

	REAL CHEESE SNACK FOOD INTRODUCED BY CALIFORNIA CHEESEMAKER (posted March 11, 2014) Sonoma Creamery expands beyond the cheese category with new crunchy cheese snack. Meet Mr. Cheese O’s, Sonoma Creamery’s solution to eliminating orange tongues and fingers, grease stains, high fructose corn syrup, saturated fat and high-calorie counts, the telltale signs of cheese-flavored chips, crisps and crackers. Mr. Cheese O’s is a line of all-natural, crunchy, delicious and fun O-shaped cheese snacks that come in four varieties: Cheddar—Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses with quinoa and other ancient grains Original--Parmesan cheese with quinoa and other ancient grains Sweet Chili--Parmesan and other cheeses with quinoa and other ancient grains and a hint of heat and sweet Tuscan Herb--Parmesan and other cheeses with quinoa and other ancient grains and bold, Italian herbs This new better-for-you corn-free, gluten-free, wheat-free snack is manufactured by this artisan cheese company based in California’s wine country. “As parents, how can we trust snack products that use ingredients with names we can’t even pronounce,” says Sonoma Creamery’s CEO, John Crean. “In a space that’s dominated by not-so-good-for-you products, and being a dad myself, I’m proud that our new Mr. Cheese O’s product is an extra-tasty, crunchy real cheese snack with a clean label and all-natural ingredients that parents can feel good about giving their kids, while maybe saving a few for themselves.” The snack is produced at the company’s new manufacturing facility in Sonoma using a proprietary process unlike any other in the cheese snack food industry, according to company executives at Natural Products Expo West. The 1-ounce snack-size bags contain two servings, with each serving providing 75 calories, 4 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. The snacks will be ready for distribution in June 2014. Self-serve display units assist with merchandising the snacks in supermarket deli departments and by c-store checkouts. A single bag has a suggested retail price of $2.99. For more information, visit www.mrcheeseos.com.

	GOURMET MEAT AND CHEESE SNACKS (posted February 18, 2014) Family-owned artisan food manufacturer Volpi Foods introduces hand-crafted mozzarella cheese and meat snacks. Sold under the Roltini brand, the meat is either prosciutto ham or spicy salami. The single-serve 1.5-ounce packages will hit retailers’ shelves this March. They come in 24-pack merchandising displays and have a 120-day refrigerated shelf life. The salami variety provides 8 grams of protein, while the prosciutto variety has 10 grams. “Today’s consumers are much more educated about their food and want all natural and wholesome snack choices,” says Lorenza Passetti, president. “Volpi is meeting the demand with authentic artisan meat wrapped cheese sticks in convenient single-serve packaging.” For more information, visit www.volpifoods.com.

	SECOND-GENERATION FLAVORED CHEESES ARE BOLDER AND EXOTIC (postedFebruary 6, 2014) The Sincerely, Brigitte brand rolls out four new cheeses in flavors that vary from spicy and hot to sweet and mellow. Brigitte Mizrahi, CEO of Anderson International Foods Inc., is a French cheese connoisseur, cheese blogger and the woman behind a number of specialty cheeses currently in the U.S. market, including the Sincerely, Brigitte line, which made its initial debut in March 2013 with six innovative flavors: Blue Marble (with white cheddar), Chipotle (with white cheddar), Garlic Basil (with Monterey Jack), Jalapeno Cilantro (with Monterey Jack), Parsley Chives (with Monterey Jack) and Tomato Olive (with Monterey Jack). The flavored cheese line was inspired by her passion for new flavors and adventure. After a highly successful launch, Brigitte traveled the globe to identify new flavors that would deliver the same adventurous spirit but with even bolder flavor combinations. Varieties are: Harissa (with Monterey Jack), Orange Ginger (with Monterey Jack), Tarragon Ginger (with Monterey Jack) and Wasabi (with white cheddar). The cheeses come in 7-ounce chunks. For more information, visit www.sincerelybrigitte.com.

	FIVE COUNTIES OF BRITISH CHEESE IN ONE CHUNK (posted January 14, 2014) Private-label retailer Aldi imports cheese from England into the States. New Five Counties Cheese is an innovative product that melds five layers (each 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide) of British cheese into one product. The five cheeses represent five counties. They are: Double Gloucester, Red Leicester, Cheshire, Derby and Somerset Cheddar. The 5-ounce chunk is packaged in parchment paper-like film and retails for $2.69. A 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories. The product is part of the retailer’s new Specially Selected brand and carries the logo: Passion For Food.

	IRISH CHEESE NOW IN CRACKER CUT FORM (posted January 1, 2014) Dubliner, Kerrygold’s most popular cheese in the U.S., is now available in convenient, cracker-size slices to satisfy consumer demand for healthy, good-tasting snacking choices. A mature cheese with elements of a fine cheddar, nutty quality of a Swiss and the piquant bite of aged Parmesan, Dubliner is crafted in Ireland with milk from grass-fed cows raised on small family farms. No growth hormones are used. The new Dubliner Cracker Cut Cheese comes in a 6-ounce re-sealable parchment package, 18 slices to a package, each slice measuring 2 X 2 inches, perfect for the average cracker. Pre-slicing provides both convenience and portion control. Dubliner Cracker Cut Cheese can be eaten right from the package, arranged on a cheese board or used in tea sandwiches, mini-grilled cheese sandwiches, in sliders or as an impromptu nibble on a cracker with a glass of wine. For more information, visit www.kerrygoldusa.com.

	FIRST AND ONLY EUROPEAN USDA-CERTIFIED ORGANIC CHEESE DEBUTS (posted December 23, 2013) New organic Kingdom Cheddar brings old-world craftsmanship to the United States Kingdom Cheddar may be the newest entry into the U.S. cheese market, but every bite carries the unique authentic cheddar taste that comes from more than 800 years of English artisan craftsmanship. The milk in Kingdom Cheddar comes from a small group of organic family farmers located in Southwest England. This is where cheddar cheesemaking first began in the 12th century. “We use old-world artisan techniques, conducted under today’s exacting organic standards, which makes for an exceptional product,” says Nicola Turner, export and marketing director at the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo,) the largest organic dairy farmers’ co-operative in the UK. OMSCo manages the production of Kingdom Cheddar. In taste panels conducted in May 2013, consumers described Kingdom Cheddar, an extra-sharp mature cheese, as “clean and creamy, with a taste that carries notes of fresh grass.” “The moist, temperate climate in Southwest England produces pastures of lush grass,” says Turner. “Those grasses impart a unique flavor to the milk, and therefore the cheese. We then carefully age the cheddar in the climate-controlled chambers or caves, a time-honored tradition of cheesemakers in this area. This brings out the unique, yet historical character of the cheese.” The cooperative of family dairy farmers who produce Kingdom Cheddar have partnered with Wisconsin-based Organic Valley cooperative to distribute it in the U.S. For more information, visit www.kingdomcheddar.com.

	FORTIFIED CHEESE CLAIMS TO IMPROVE LIVER FUNCTION (posted December 12, 2013) Two Japanese companies, a dairy and a brewery (same owners), have teamed up to develop and market what they describe as a cheese snack that helps liver function recovery after drinking alcohol, specifically beer. Koiwai Dairy Products and Kirin Brewery now offers Koiwai Kirin Plus-i Cheese Cubes. The cheese snacking cubes come in two flavors— ginger and soy sauce—and are enhanced with the amino acid ornithine. A 30-gram single-serve package of cheese cubes contains 400 milligrams of this non-standard amino acid (not one of the 20 amino acids associated with genetic code). Ornithine plays a role in the urea cycle. Tom Vierhile, innovation insights director for Datamonitor Consumer, says that it is very unusual to see a specific snack designated for consumption with alcoholic beverages that also has properties that aid in alcoholic beverage recovery. He goes on to note that ornithine is rarely used to fortify foods or drinks outside of Japan, where it has also popped up in a few functional non-alcoholic beverages as well as ramen noodle and soup products. This is not the first time the two companies teamed up to make a functional product. Back in 2009, they offered Koiwai Kirin Yogurt Soda.

	MOON CHEESE HAS LANDED! (posted December 3, 2013) New Moon Cheese is a healthful, crunchy, 100% natural cheese snack. The shelf-stable snack product was developed and is produced through a joint partnership between EnWave Corp., and NutraDried LLP. Three varieties of Moon Cheese--American Cheddar, Gouda and Pepper Jack—are part of the initial launched in up to 200 stores throughout two grocery store banners in the Pacific Northwest: Fred Meyer and Quality Food Centers (QFC). Both banners are owned by the Kroger Company, the largest grocery store chain in the U.S. Moon Cheese consists only of 100% cheese. It is gluten free, high in calcium and a great source of protein. A single serving (12 grams, 6 to 7 pieces) of Moon Cheese contains 76 calories, 6 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. The product is produced using patented technology that removes only the moisture from cheese while keeping all the nutrition and flavor. For more information, visit www.mooncheesesnacks.com

	NEW BOLD CHEESES FOR FOODSERVICE COMBINE HEAT WITH A KICK OF SPICE (posted November 28, 2013) To meet consumer demand for bold, adventurous flavors, Emmi Roth USA, a subsidiary of Switzerland based Emmi Group, introduces two new flavored cheese varieties in the Roth Wisconsin range. The flavors are: Chipotle Havarti and 3 Chile Pepper Gouda (jalapeño, chipotle and habanero). These spicy specialties round out “The Fiery Five,” an assortment of boldly flavored Roth cheeses that includes Horseradish Havarti, Jalapeño Havarti and Peppadew Havarti. Retail sales data and menu trend analysis indicate that consumers are branching out to explore a host of hot peppers and distinctive flavors in their in- and out-of-home dining experiences. Growth in flavored cheese at retail has exceeded growth in total exact weight cheese for 2012 vs. 2011 (2.3% growth for flavored vs. -0.3% decline for total) and for the first half of 2013 vs. the same period in 2012 (1.7% growth for flavored vs. 0.5% for total cheese), with habanero, chipotle and jalapeño posting stronger growth in both 2012 and 2013 than flavored cheese overall. (Source: IRI) Flavor trends on restaurant menus from Technomic’s Menu Monitor database also indicate consumer interest in bold and distinctive flavors across key categories on the menu, particularly within burgers and sandwiches, where flavors such as jalapeño, chili and chipotle serve to spice up familiar fare. Appetizer items featuring jalapeños have seen a 31% increase in the second quarter of 2013 (compared to a year earlier), and entrées with jalapeños show similar growth with a 29% increase. Chipotle is also on the rise, particularly in entrées, where items flavored with this smoky pepper have increased 16% in the past year (Source: Menu Monitor, Technomic). “We always strive to provide on-trend cheese solutions for the foodservice trade. As consumers continue to seek out bold flavors, The Roth Fiery Five offer surefire ways to distinguish menus and delight diners with the heat they crave,” says Steve Millard, president and CEO of Emmi Roth USA. The Havarti varieties are available in a nine pound loaf format, while the 3 Chili Pepper Gouda is available in a six pound loaf and 10 pound wheel. Retail cuts will be available in 2014. For more information, visit www.emmirothfoodservice.com.

	CHUCK E. CHEESE’S NEW SHREDDED CHEESE TURNS DINNERTIME INTO PLAYTIME (posted November 19, 2013) Family entertainment restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese’s introduces a namesake line of shredded cheese. Produced by Schreiber Foods, new Chuck E. Cheese’s Shredded Cheese joins Yogurt Squeezes, which debuted earlier this year. To read about them, click HERE. The new shreds come in three varieties: Mac & Cheese Blend, Spicy Mac & Cheese Blend and Mozzarella. The 8-ounce stand-up pouch uses less packaging thank typical 8-ounce bags, but still contains the same two cups of shredded cheese. The new stand-up design allows consumers to set the bag upright when cooking and saves space in the refrigerator. Consumers who purchase the shredded cheese receive a coupon offer of $25 for 125 tokens for game playing at any Chuck E. Cheese’s restaurant. For more information, visit www.chuckesnackcheese.com.

	CHEESE SNACKS FOR THE ADULT PALATE (posted October 31, 2013) The Chunky Cheese Co., adds three new flavors to its adult cheese snack line. The U.K.’s Bridgehead Foods Partners’ The Chunky Cheese Co., brand, which made its debut in 2011, now includes six flavors of cheese snacks. The Chunky Cheese Co., was developed in response to adult consumers’ demand for snacking cheese. Mature cheeses can be eaten as a snack at home by cutting it from a block or wedge, but this is not a convenient format for on-the-go adults. The Chunky Cheese Co., solved that problem with a hand-held, convenient snack cheese aimed at adults, which has opened a whole new sub category and is driving sales in major U.K. retailers. All based on mature cheddar, the three new flavors are Caramelized Onion, Mango Chutney and Pepperdew. The line’s original three flavors are Cracked Black Pepper, Chili & Lime and Tangy. The single-serve 40-gram portions are sold individually and in packs of 12. For more information, visit www.thechunkycheeseco.co.uk.

	PAN-READY POUCHES OF CHEESE FOR FOODSERVICE (posted October 22, 2013) Emmi Roth USA introduces Roth 6th Pan Ready Pouches, a new alternative to bulk packaging for foodservice cheese crumbles and shreds. The innovative pre-portioned pouches are designed to be emptied or placed directly into a standard foodservice four-inch 6th pan, offering the foodservice industry increased convenience and improved food safety. The Roth 6th Pan Ready Pouches eliminate the need to reseal and re-label larger bags of opened cheese, decreasing the chance for contamination and shrink, which may result when opened bags are improperly stored. The pre-portioned pouches also keep the product fresher longer and increase shelf life since the product remains sealed until it is needed. “Roth 6th Pan Ready Pouches are an industry-leading packaging innovation for the foodservice and foodservice at retail industries,” says Steve Millard, president and CEO of Emmi Roth USA. “Our new packaging technology allows Emmi Roth to share its specialty cheese in the freshest way possible while giving our customers a more convenient way to use our product.” The product comes in four premium Roth cheese varieties: Grand Cru Original Shreds: An Alpine-style classic inspired by the cheesemaking traditions from the Roth family’s homeland, Grand Cru has a smooth and mellow flavor with light floral notes. Buttermilk Blue Crumbles: A tangy yet mellow blue cheese crafted with raw milk for the creamiest taste and texture. Buttermilk Gorgonzola Crumbles: An Italian-style blue with an assertive, piquant flavor and a complex, peppery finish. Goat Cheese Crumbles: This classic goat cheese is fresh and mild with a tangy hint of citrus. For more information, visit www.emmiroth.com

	STACKED CHEESE & MEAT SNACKS (posted October 14, 2013) Kraft Foods is rolling out Stacked Cheese & Meat sticks, which are designed for the adult palate. The product is so new, only mock-up packages were on display at NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) in Atlanta, where the product made its U.S. debut on Oct. 13, 2013. The 1.6-ounce single-serve snacks come in three varieties: Cheddar Jack and Bacon, Cheddar Pepperoni and Jalapeno, and White Cheddar Salami and Black Pepper. The snacks are described as a “blended cheese snack” made with real pasteurized process cheese and infused with deli-quality meat and bold spices for big flavor that truly satisfies. A single snack contains 10 grams of protein and is designed to be a portable food for satisfying hunger pangs. The flavors, size and protein content are targeted to male millennials, as is the bold, black packaging. The snacks come in 12-count caddies for easy merchandising in c-store refrigerated cases.

	STRING CHEESE SPAGHETTI (posted October 7, 2013) Kerry Foods, with global headquarters in the U.K., is expanding distribution of its highly innovative Cheestrings Spaghetti. This product is a recipient of Anuga’s “taste 13” competition, which recognizes the best new products at the show. Congratulations! These little twirly strips of mozzarella cheese come in single-serve packs and are sold four to a package. Kids love to be interactive with their food, and that’s just what you get with Cheestrings Spaghetti. The added bonus is that the cheese is healthful, too. Each 17-gram single-serve pack contains 56 calories, 4 grams of fat, 4.8 grams of protein and is a rich source (116 mg) of bone-building calcium. The plain mozzarella variety is currently launching in Germany. While in the U.K., a line extension of a Cheese & Onion variety is rolling out. For more information, visit www.cheestrings.co.uk.

	CONVENIENT FETA FORMS IN STAY-FRESH BRINE (posted October 2, 2013) Ezra’s Feta comes in an easy-serve container. The family-owned company has been producing feta cheese in the Mediterranean region for more than 100 years. The recipes have been passed from generation to generation. The company has teamed up with Bunker Hill Cheese Co., to bring its authentic feta to the United State. Ezra’s Feta is creamy and smooth. Unlike the traditional-style feta that is very crumbly and in many cases sold as crumbled feta, Ezra’s Feta is sold as chunks, slices and cubes that can be used in salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, baking, cooking and many other options. The cheese comes in proprietary “stay fresh” packaging that allows the consumer to lift the product from the brine to the cutting board and back into the brine using the convenient feta lifter. For the cubes, the lifter is actually a basket. The natural sea salt brine helps maintain product freshness. A 1-ounce serving contains 70 calories, 5 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.ezrasdairy.com.

	100% GRASS-FED COWS SHARE THEIR MILK (posted September 12, 2013) Organic Valley now offers Grassmilk milks and cheeses. Organic Valley Grassmilk Organic Raw Cheddar Cheese and Raw Sharp Cheddar Cheese come in 8-ounce wedges. The milk used to make the cheeses comes from 100% grass-fed cows that have never been fed grains. This diet yields milk that contains naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid and calcium. The milks are said to have a unique taste and creamy texture that reflect the lush pastures from where the cows graze. This translates to smooth texture cheeses that have a slightly earthy taste. This premium milk used in the cheese is free from antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides and GMO feed and is halal and kosher certified. The milk is also sold as a stand-alone beverage. For more info on the milk line, click HERE. For more information, visit www.organicvalley.coop.

	DHA-FORTIFIED STRING CHEESE (posted September 2, 2013) Parmalat Canada markets a line of cheese snacks under the Black Diamond brand. Cheestrings Ficello (Labeling is in English and French.) come in three varieties: Cheddarific, Marbelicious and Mozzarella. All varieties are made from milk from cows fed an enriched diet containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acids shown to support the normal physical development of the brain, eyes and nerves. Black Diamond Cheestrings Marbelicious and Mozzarella contain 0.10 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturates and 0.01 grams of DHA and EPA per 21 gram serving. Black Diamond Cheestrings Cheddarific contain 0.10 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturates and 0.02 grams of DHA and EPA per 21 gram serving. Each serving also has much protein and calcium as a half cup of milk. Parmalat Canada has operated in Canada as a subsidiary of Parmalat Finanziaria S.p.A, of Italy since 1997. For more information, visit www.cheestrings.ca.

	CHUCK E. CHEESE UPDATES HIS LOOK (posted August 29, 2013) Family entertainment restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese's updates the packaging of its namesake string cheese snacks. Produced by Schreiber Foods since 2006, the new look complements Yogurt Squeezes, which debuted earlier this year. To read about them, click HERE. Sold in bags of 12 or 24 stings of 24 grams of mozzarella cheese, the product comes in two varieties: Reduced Fat (made with 2% milk) and Low-Moisture Part Skim (LMPS). One reduced-fat string contains 50 calories, 3 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. One LMPS string contains 70 calories, 5 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. For more information, visit www.chuckesnackcheese.com.

	SWEET BLUEBERRIES MEET CREAMY WHITE CHEDDAR (posted August 20, 2013) Discount private-label retailer Aldi grows its artisanal cheese line with Blueberry Cheddar Cheese. Marketed under the Specially Selected brand, the cheese is a limited-edition flavor that debuted at the height of blueberry harvesting season. It is creamy white cheddar cheese that contains whole wild blueberries, which give the cheese a unique sweet, fruity flavor profile. A 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories and 9 grams of fat. The 7-ounce chunk, which comes wrapped it opaque parchment paper, retails for $2.99.

	OMEGA-3 CHEESES DEBUT (posted August 15, 2013) Better-for-you natural cheeses are made with omega-3 fatty acid-rich milk. In the Heart of Wisconsin’s Dairyland, a group of family-run dairy farms follow a strict certification feeding program. This feeding protocol results in milk and cheeses that are naturally higher in omega-3 fatty acids. The farmers feed their cows a natural, land-based palatable combination of linseed and legumes mixed under controlled temperatures. The milk comes from Omega Valley Farmers; the cheese is made by Nasonville Dairy; and World Import Distributors handles sales. The 7-ounce chunks of cheese come in 10 varieties: Buffalo Jack, Chipotle Jack, Colby Jack, Garlic Herb Jack, Horseradish Chive Jack, Jalapeno Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Tomato Basil Jack, White Cheddar and Yellow Cheddar. A one-ounce serving contains 415 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids. The suggested retail price is $4.99. For more information, visit www.omegavalleyfarmers.com, www.nasonvilledairy.com and www.widcheese.com.

	WISCONSIN CHEESE SPREAD WITH SOUTHERN FLAIR (posted July 25, 2013) Martha’s Pimento Cheese Spreads are available for retail and foodservice. Produced by Mighty Fine Food LLC, this zesty cheese spread recipe is a specialty of the product’s namesake: Martha Davis Kipcak. A Texan who moved to Milwaukee, Martha decided to commercialize her southern specialty using Wisconsin cheese. According to the company, in the early 1900’s, the Spanish began to import pimento peppers. Americans soon learned to combine them with cheese, and this new spread became a delicacy reserved for the wealthy. When farmers in Georgia began to grow their own pimentos successfully in the 1920’s the popular cheese and pepper product gained every-day status as a favored sandwich spread for factory-working men and women across the American South. Today, nine out of 10 eaters across the Southern U.S. eat pimento cheese on a regular basis, securing its place as a Southern culinary icon. Oddly, pimento cheese has not migrated north over the decades, despite the fact that the entire country has a deep affection for cheese. Martha plans to change that. Martha’s Pimento Cheese Spreads come in two varieties: Traditional and Jalapeno. They are sold retail in 8-ounce clear plastic containers, ready for serving. Foodservice quantities are also available, enabling operators to add some pizzazz to sandwiches, burgers and appetizers. It makes a great bread spread, too. For more information, visit marthaspimentocheese.com.

	SONOMA CHEESE’S CALIFORNIA (GOLD) NUGGETS (posted July 17, 2013) Sonoma Creamery introduces Sonoma Jack Nuggets snacking cheese. These 1.5-ounce single-serve bags of cheese nuggets come in four varieties: Cheddar, Colby Jack, Hot Pepper (Monterey Jack) and Traditional (Monterey Jack). Each snack pack contains 150 to 165 calories, depending on variety, along with 12 grams of protein and 30% of the Daily Value for calcium. The product is described as not containing any artificial growth hormones, as well as being naturally lactose free, gluten free and vegetarian. The stand-up pouch can be merchandised on a peg, shelf or clip strip. For more information, visit www.sonomacreamery.com.

	DOUBLY DELICIOUS: CHEESE AND BEEF STICK SNACK (posted July 10, 2013) Frigo Cheese Heads now comes in a cheese and beef stick combo that is loaded with protein. These new premium pairings come in three varieties: Pepper Jack & Beef Sticks, Sharp Cheddar & Beef Sticks and String Cheese & Pepperoni-flavored Meat Sticks. The combos are sold in 6.33-ounce packs that contain four sticks of cheese (0.83 ounces each) and four sticks of meat (0.75 ounces each). All sticks are individually wrapped. Package fronts tout the protein content, with the cheese delivering 5 to 6 grams, depending on the variety, and the meat provides 4 grams of protein. The product has a 180-day shelf life and is intended to be merchandised in the dairy case alongside other snacking cheeses. For more information, visit www.frigocheeseheads.com

	A NEW CHEESE VARIETY: ASIAGO FRESCO (posted July 1, 2013) BelGioioso introduces a softer and creamier Asiago cheese. Made with whole cows milk gathered daily from local Wisconsin farms, this new cheese is aged a minimum of 60 days. It has a creamy texture and a delicate aroma, making it an excellent table cheese. Unlike traditional Asiago, which is a hard cheese with a crumbly texture, this cheese has a creamy melt and can be used in sandwiches and sauces. It is sold in 8-ounce and 1.5-pound wedges, as well as a 24-pound wheel for in-store cutting. For more information, visit www.belgioioso.com

	PREMIUM SNACKING CHEESE (posted June 25, 2013) Frigo Cheese Heads snacking cheeses come in five adult-appealing flavors. These premium cheeses are sold in 10-packs of individually wrapped 0.83-ounce sticks. Varieties are: Chipotle Cheddar, Colby Jack, Garlic & Herb White Cheddar, Pepper Jack and Sharp Cheddar. A single snack contains 80 to 100 calories, 6 to 8 grams of fat and 5 to 6 grams of protein, depending on variety. The product launch is supported with a two-page national free-standing insert and two-page print advertising in select consumer magazines. Both include coupons. For more information, visit www.frigocheeseheads.com

	DELI RESERVE CHEESES—SLICED OR SLICED-TO-ORDER (posted June 19, 2013) Dutch Farms introduces new Deli Reserve cheese line for self-serve deli case and the deli counter. Dutch Farms, a Midwest dairy company, celebrates its 25th anniversary with the launch of Deli Reserve cheese. This line extension consists of two sets of items: Shingle-packs sold in the grab-and-go deli case and bulk cheese sold behind the deli counter. The new Deli Reserve line of cheese provides shoppers with authentic delicatessen-styled cheeses for restaurant-quality sandwiches made at home. This line specifically addresses consumer demand for exciting make-at-home meal choices. Shoppers have increasingly sophisticated tastes and food knowledge. The advent of prime-time food programming and the proliferation of celebrity chefs is playing out in today’s grocery aisles. Dutch Farms new Deli Reserve addresses this shift in consumer taste. The Deli Reserve shingle packs are sold in 8-ounce durable, re-closable deli packages. The cheese, made in Wisconsin, aged, premium and all-natural, is the finest quality cheese Dutch Farms has brought to market. Varieties include: Baby Swiss, Deluxe American, Gouda, Muenster, New York X-Sharp and Provolone. Loaves and horns for the deli counter are sliced to order. The cheese, made in Wisconsin, is all natural with no preservatives. It comes in seven varieties: Brick, Colby, Mild Cheddar, Mozzarella, Muenster, Pepper Jack and Provolone). Dutch Farms Deli Reserve will be supported by a dedicated marketing plan including sampling programs, in-store shelf talkers and clings, social media as well as rich media. For more information, visit www.dutchfarms.com.

	SEASONED CRUMBLED BLUE CHEESE (posted June 10, 2013) Saputo introduces Treasure Cave flavored blue cheese crumbles. America’s number-one blue cheese brand is now available in four flavors: Chipotle Pepper, Southeast Smoked, Southwest Chipotle and Black Bean, and Zesty Buffalo Wing. Infused with rich notes of hickory smoke and a zesty blend of onions and spices, Chipotle Pepper Flavor Crumbled Blue Cheese is a south-of-the-border taste sensation. Use it to rev up a bowl of chili, soup or dip, or to enliven a salad or sandwich. With the down-home heat of a summer barbecue, Southeast Smoked Flavor Crumbled Blue Cheese is packed with the rich, slow-cooked taste of natural smoke flavor. Use it to liven up meat and potatoes, or to add taste to a salad or sandwich. Southwest Chipotle and Black Bean Flavor Crumbled Blue Cheese combines hints of garlic, green pepper and onion to produce an untamable taste sensation. Use it to embolden a bowl of chili, dip or soup, or to spice up a salad or sandwich. Inspired by the perennially crowd-pleasing appetizer, Zesty Buffalo Wing Flavor Crumbled Blue Cheese is a cool taste sensation with the power and punch of buffalo wing sauce. Serve it with pizza and chips at a party, or use it to spice up a salad or sandwich. The new crumbled cheeses come in 4.5-ounce tubs. A 1-ounce serving—about a fourth of a cup—contains 100 calories and 8 grams of fat. For more information, visit www.treasurecavecheese.com.

	REAL CHEESE NIBBLERS (posted June 4, 2013) Crystal Farms delivers bold flavor in every nibble of new Nibblers. Nibblers are 1.5-ounce single-serve bags of real cheese with bold seasonings. There are four varieties: Chipotle Pepper Cheddar Cheese Habanero Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers Smoky BBQ Cheddar Cheese Sour Cream & Onion Monterey Jack Cheese A pack of the Jacks contains 9 grams of protein, while a pack of the Cheddars contains 10 grams. Calories range from 150 to 170, depending on variety. These easy-open stand-up bags are great for snacking at your desk or for on-the-go. Single-serve units come in stock-friendly trays, with eight units per tray and four trays per case. They also come in five-pack multipacks.

	RAW MILK AGED GOAT CHEESE (posted May 23, 2013) Coach Farm introduces Rawstruck raw milk aged goat cheese. Coach Farm, farmstead goat dairy and creamery, introduces Rawstruck raw milk aged goat cheese. After 28 years of pasteurized cheese making, this is the first raw milk goat cheese from award-winning goat cheese maker Coach Farm. Made just one day each month, Rawstruck is created from the milk of Coach Farm’s own herd of dairy goats. The curd is hand ladled, hand shaped and set to age. In compliance with current federal regulations of the sale and consumption of raw milk cheeses, Rawstruck is aged for 60 days before its release. To help name this new cheese, Coach Farm teamed up with the industry respected publication Culture: the Word on Cheese magazine to create a public naming contest through the combined social media channels. To engage the public and encourage name submissions, videos of the process were posted online and bloggers were requested to submit product reviews and pairing ideas. Rawstruck has been described as having “a surprising depth of flavor that pleasantly lingers,” “a cheese with a crumbly texture at first that literally melts in your mouth” and the “angel food of goat’s milk cheese” by bloggers and industry gurus. “The response to the program was overwhelming,” says Steven Margarites, president of Coach Farm. “But the name that best captured the adjectives that the bloggers used to describe the cheese was Rawstruck.” Rawstruck is available for distribution in 4-pound wheels with a suggested retail price of $24.99 per pound. For more information, visit coachfarm.com.

	SINGLE-SERVE PACKS OF MICROWAVEABLE CHEESE SAUCE (posted May 15, 2013) Kraft simplifies Velveeta for use as a cheesy condiment. New shelf-stable Velveeta Toppers have very limited distribution, with home delivery services being a leading channel. Sold in boxes of three 4-ounce microwaveable pouches, the sauces are designed to be a single-serving nacho chip dip or topper, or as a cheesy sauce over vegetables or pasta. Ingredient legends show “milk, whey and whey protein concentrate” as the first three ingredients. Other dairy ingredients appear later in the statement. Average retail price is $4.49. Velveeta Toppers come in two varieties: Queso Blanco and Original.

	30%-LESS SALT CHEDDAR DEBUTS IN U.K. (posted May 9, 2013) Joseph Heler, the U.K.’s largest independent regional cheese producer, introduces England’s first reduced-salt mild cheddar cheese. Containing 30% less salt than standard Cheddar, the cheese made its debut at the end of April through the more than 600 stores operated by the U.K.’s leading retailer, Tesco. Tesco continues to champion healthy eating options and Cheese Buyer David Chamberlain comments: “Our team of buyers spends a great deal of time seeking out cutting-edge products for the health-conscious consumer. When we believe in something, we like to give it as much exposure and support as possible and Heler’s Reduced Salt Mild Cheddar is without doubt set to make significant changes within the category.” Although famed for its traditional values, innovation is fundamental to Joseph Heler’s foundation. “We are delighted that the years of hard work and determination in our research and development department have come to fruition,” says Angela Pasco, head of sales and marketing at Joseph Heler. “Consumers are now much more aware of their salt intake and are looking for alternative products. This reduced-salt cheese has been years in the making, ensuring that we launched with what we believe to be a truly revolutionary product.” Nutritionist Rachael Hill comments, “Any reductions made to salt intake can be beneficial to your health. Similarly, cheese can play an important and delicious part of a healthy balanced diet for all ages, from home cooked meals to the perfect addition to packed lunches. Cheese also contributes to a child’s intake of certain nutrients that are essential for children’s growing bodies and minds. With cheddar being a hugely popular British staple, we have now given people the option of purchasing a great-tasting cheddar cheese with 30% less salt content than standard cheddar.” For more information, visit http://www.joseph-heler.co.uk.

	CONVENIENT COOKING-WITH-CHEESE CONCEPT HITS THE STREETS (posted April 24, 2013) Kraft Fresh Take adds three new varieties and debuts innovative food truck marketing campaign. Kraft Fresh Take is a meal kit comprised of fresh, natural cheeses, unique spices and breadcrumbs. Merchandised in the dairy aisle, Fresh Take is packaged in a convenient, compartmentalized bag that serves as the “mixing bowl” with no-mess cleanup. The three new varieties are: Smokey Mesquite BBQ--Colby, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses combine with seasoned breadcrumbs, onion, cumin and garlic for a smoky taste. Classic Four Cheese--A blend of shredded Colby, cheddar, Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses come together with breadcrumbs and spices. Spicy Chipotle Cheddar--A blend of Colby, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses come together with onion, chipotle chili and paprika for a spicy blend that adds a little kick to the meal. According to a recent survey by Kraft Foods, 96% of Americans are cheese eaters and most of them would rather be stripped of connectivity than having this favorite food staple removed from their diet. To celebrate this unprecedented love of cheese, Kraft is hitting the streets with the Fresh Take Fresh Possibilities Tour. This journey of four food trucks and more than 600 stops has one mission during its tour: bringing mealtime inspiration and Kraft Fresh Take to the people. “For many at-home chefs, great-tasting food means lengthy prep time, an overwhelming cleanup and sometimes a dish that just doesn’t leave anyone asking for seconds,” says Jennifer Manning, Kraft Kitchens. “To help minimize kitchen frustrations, Kraft created Fresh Take, which requires minimal prep time and virtually no cleanup, making it easier than ever to create delicious entrees, appetizers and sides.” In addition to the three new varieties, the line includes: Italian Parmesan--parsley, garlic, onion, and Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses Cheddar Jack & Bacon--savory herbs, bacon, and Monterey Jack, cheddar and provolone cheeses Southwest Three Cheese--garlic, cumin, red chili pepper, and Colby, mozzarella and cheddar cheeses Rosemary & Roasted Garlic—rosemary, garlic, and mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan and Romano cheeses Chili Lime & Panko--chili peppers, lime, and Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses Savory Four Cheese—roasted garlic, onion, and feta, mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan cheeses For more information, visit www.kraftfreshtake.com.

	SMALL-BATCH PREMIUM CHEESES (posted April 17, 2013) Local cheese masters from Northern California’s coastal region help produce Clover Stornetta’s new cheeses. Three-generation family-owned and family-operated dairy—Clover Stornetta--extends its expertise at producing high-quality California milk to a new small-batch premium cheese line made in partnership with local California cheese masters. Clover collaborated with a select group of local artisan cheese makers, renowned for their commitment to small-scale craft, to develop specific recipes using 100% Clover milk. “We’ve had a steeped history in the milk industry, and now we want to apply those values, traditions and authenticity with our dairy families to extend from milk to cheese,” says Clover President and CEO Marcus Benedetti. “This line is about locally made, premium quality, everyday artisanal cheese at an affordable price.” Varieties include Sharp, Medium and Mild Cheddar; Monterey and Pepper Jack; Mozzarella; Havarti; and Mexican Blend. Clover cheeses are available in block, shred and sliced forms, in resealable 8- and 12-ounce see-through packages. Unlike mass-produced cheese, smaller artisanal batches are guided by the cheese makers’ respect for the hands-on process required of each variety, or as California Artisan Cheesemaker Bob Laffranchi says, “The cheese is the boss.” The best milk makes the best cheese. According to the company, there is a waiting list to become one of the few select dairy families in Sonoma and Marin Counties with whom Clover works intimately to produce the highest quality natural and organic fluid milk on the market. The special combination of Northern California coastal climate, abundant green pastures and humane management of small, closed dairy herds yields arguably the best-tasting and cleanest milk in the U.S. “Our way is not to crunch data to analyze opportunities, but rather to listen to our consumers and trade partners, and use the milk from the greatest milkshed in the country to develop new products, then trust there will be consumers for whom that makes a difference,” says Benedetti. “When we look at the industry changes from generation to generation, there is an opportunity to do a little soul searching and find out what you stand for,” says Kiowa Saunders, who led the development of the cheese line at Clover. “We think the story of the milk matters most, and everything that’s in that loop—small family business, sustainable practices, animal compassion—all the tenets that we stand for.” For more information, visit www.cloverstornetta.com

	CHEESY TAPENADE (posted April 4, 2013) Olives and cheese make a great couple! Sugar Brook Farms, marketers of the Kelly’s Kitchen gourmet cheese product line, is showing consumers tapenade does not need to be just olives. There are four varieties in the new spread line: Traditional Tapenade with Feta (kalamata olives, green olives, capers, garlic and parsley in olive oil) Mediterranean Tapenade with Goat (Peppadews, black olives, goat cheese, garlic and parsley in olive oil) Spanish Tapenade with Roth GranQueso (roasted tomatoes, kalamata and black olives, Roth Gran Queso, and spices in olive oil) Italian Tapenade with Parmesan (pepperoncini, sweet peppers, green and black olives, Parmesan cheese, garlic and basil in olive oil). Cheesemaker Kelly Longseth says the ingredients and texture make her tapenades unique. “Our ingredients are chopped, not blended to a paste like some current products available,” she says. “They have a 90-day shelf live from time of production.” The product comes in entertaining-ready clear 6-ounce containers. For more information, visit http://sugarbrookfarms.net/kellys-kitchen/

	RED BARN FAMILY FARMS WINS AWARDS, INTRODUCES NEW CHEESES (posted March 21, 2013) Read about these cheses in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	ITALY'S PREGIATI DI GUSTO INTRODUCES PROVOLA WITH LEMON CHEESE (posted March 21, 2013) Read about this cheese in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	JARLSBERG HICKORY SMOKED CHEESE DEBUTS IN STATES (posted March 21, 2013) Read about this cheese in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	NEW "SINCERELY, BRIGITTE" CHEESES COME IN SIX EXCITING FLAVORS (posted March 21, 2013) Read about these cheeses in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	SKELLIG: SWEET CHEDDAR CHEESE FROM THE IRISH DAIRY BOARD (posted March 21, 2013) Read about this cheese in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	GRAZIERS RAW MILK CHEESES (posted March 21, 2013) Read about these cheeses in the March 21, 2013, BLOG HERE.

	GREEK YOGURT CHEESE (posted March 13, 2013) Heini’s adds Greek yogurt to the cheese vat. Manufactured by Bunker Hill Cheese Co., new Heini’s Semisoft Part Skim Greek Yogurt Cheese debuted at Natural Products Expo West 2013. The cheese-make process includes the addition of real Greek yogurt. Read more about formulating with yogurt HERE. Sold in 8-ounce chunks, a 1-ounce serving contains 100 calories, 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. (This is the average protein content of similar cheeses.) Package claims include: Low sodium, Lactose free, Probiotic with live yogurt cultures, Excellent source of protein, and No added hormones. For more information, visit www.heinis.com.

	MOZZARELLA SNACKING CHEESE (posted March 6, 2013) Bel Brands USA introduces mozzarella-style Mini Babybel cheese. The new variety joins the expansive portfolio of natural, individually portioned snacking cheeses that includes Mini Babybel Original, Light, Sharp Original, White Cheddar, Gouda, Cheddar and Bonbel. “Our team is thrilled to introduce the newest flavor of Mini Babybel. Mild, creamy and absolutely delicious, new mozzarella is the perfect snack or lunch addition for the whole family,” says Dan Waters, marketing director. “We know that mozzarella is a favorite flavor among snack cheese lovers, so we’ve packaged all of its greatest elements into the tasty, portion-controlled form of Mini Babybel. With the introduction of this new variety we now have yet another satisfying snack option everyone can feel good about enjoying.” Each 21-gram red-wax sealed Mini Babybel Mozzarella has 50 calories, 6 grams of protein and 20% of the Daily Value for calcium. They come in 10-count packs in the brand’s traditional net bag with a suggested retail price of $4.99. For more information visit www.thelaughingcow.com.

	A PERFECT MARRIAGE: CHOCOLATE AND CHEDDAR (posted February 13, 2013) Discount private-label retailer Aldi says its new Cheddar with Chocolate is for those who have ‘passion for food.” Marketed under the Specially Selected brand, the cheese is a limited-edition flavor that debuted just in time for Valentine’s Day. It is English cheddar cheese that contains large flakes of rich dark chocolate. A 1-ounce serving contains 110 calories and 9 grams of fat. The 6.7-ounce chunk retails for $2.99.

	DUTCH CHEESE FOR THE DELI (posted February 7, 2013) A new loaf form of Parrano allows for easy slicing and delicious sandwich making. At the 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, Best Cheese Corp., introduced U.S. deli-counter retailers to Parrano. Commonly referred to as “The Cheese from Holland that thinks it’s Italian,” Parrano has a nutty flavor, buttery aroma and smooth texture, attributes of Gouda and Parmigiano?Reggiano. As a leading importer of specialty cheeses, Best Cheese believes the time has arrived for U.S. cheese aficionados to appreciate this top-selling Dutch cheese in convenient deli-slicing form. Available for some time in wheel form for in-store cutting and wrapping at specialty cheese departments nationwide, the new deli loaf makes the cheese more attractive for cooking and sandwich making. “Through recipe contests and social media, consumers and chefs have shared with us ways they incorporate Parrano into meal preparation and the most common use we found was sandwich and Panini making,” says Steven Margarites, president. “Therefore, it makes perfect sense to provide Parrano in packaging that makes it easier for recipe preparation.” The company suggests that deli operators sell the cheese for $10.99 per pound. For more information, visit www.parrano.com.

	GERMAN-STYLE QUARK HITS U.S. MARKET (posted December 11, 2012) Quark by elli is a new, fresh, German-style soft cheese, similar to cottage cheese but with a smoother and creamier texture, and offering a milder taste than Greek yogurt. elli answers a growing need for an all-natural, nutrient-dense source of protein and calcium, without the added sodium found in cottage cheese or high sugar content of some yogurts. elli can be enjoyed straight out of the cup or be used as an ingredient to create sweet and savory recipes that often call for cottage cheese, cream cheese, ranch dressing or yogurt. The new nonfat product, which rolls out this month, comes in four flavors--Lemon, Pineapple, Red Velvet and Strawberry—plus plain. The single-serve 5.3-ounce cups contain 14 to 17 grams of protein and 80 to 90 calories, depending on variety. Sweetened with a proprietary blend of two all-natural, zero calorie sweeteners--stevia and erythritol—the company is able to keep calories low, as well as sugar (5 grams) and carbohydrate (less than 10 grams) content. For more information, visit http://elliquark.com/

	PUT THE MOZZ ON THE BARBIE (posted December 10, 2012) That’s what Kraft is suggesting with its latest snacking cheese. New Kraft Sweet BBQ Twisted String Cheese is natural low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese with barbecue seasoning. Flagged largely on front panels: No artificial flavors! (And off the record, it’s totally yummy!) A 9-ounce bag contains 12 snacks, each delivering 60 calories.

	LIMITED-EDITION CHEESE GIFT...ONLY 200 FOR SALE! (posted December 3, 2012) On Saturday, December 1, Sartori Company released the first-ever Paolo Sartori Limited Edition Cheese Gift Box. The gift box includes a wedge of all five of Sartori’s 2012 Limited Edition Cheeses: Cognac BellaVitano, Cannella BellaVitano, Peppermint BellaVitano, Pastorale Blend and Extra-Aged Goat Cheese. The company has a limited supply of 200 gift baskets, which also includes a Sartori-branded cutting board, a Sartori cheese knife, a set of never before released Sartori collectable wine charms, and a Certificate of Authenticity. Each certificate is hand signed and numbered (1 to 200) by Sartori’s first Master Cheesemaker, Larry Steckbauer. The Sartori Limited Edition Line is a collection of unique and premium cheese varieties inspired by the creative spirit of Sartori Founder Paolo Sartori. These special releases are meticulously crafted by Sartori cheesemakers using a blend of old-world tradition coupled with American ingenuity. The cheese is only produced when the conditions are perfect and the ingredients are readily available. For this reason, Sartori limited-edition items are made in small quantities and only available seasonally. “We’re thrilled for the opportunity to bring these five special cheese products together into one offering this holiday season,” says Chief Marketing Officer Chad Vincent. “I know these items are often difficult to find during the year because of their limited nature so it’s our hope that this will make an exciting gift and a great addition to any holiday gathering.” For more information, visit www.sartoricheese.com

	QUESO BLANCO IN SHREDDED FORM (posted November 28, 2012) The Velveeta brand has been around since 1928. Most likely for economic reasons, its formula has changed over time, as Velveeta is made with cheese trim and other dairy ingredients. Hence, its current standard of identity-- pasteurized prepared cheese product—has not been a constant descriptor. Developed and marketed by Kraft Foods Inc., Velveeta is known for its smooth and creamy texture. It’s “recipe” cheese. Over the years, the company has expanded the original loaf concept with new varieties, as well as extended the brand into new forms. A shredded version has come and gone and returned a number of times. (In fact, Donna Berry—the author of Daily Dose of Dairy—was on the team that introduced the first shredded version in the early 1990s. During that time, there also was an Italian flavor of the loaf product, but only the original Velveeta got shredded.) Today, the loaf comes in nine flavors: Original, 2% milk, Jalapeno, Mexican Mild, Mexican Hot, Pepper Jack, Queso Blanco, Sharp Cheddar and Spicy Buffalo. Three of these flavors—Original, Pepper Jack and Queso Blanco--are now available in shredded form, with the latter a recent debut. The product comes in an 8-ounce horizontal zipper package. (By the way, Donna Berry was on the team that introduced horizontal zippers for cheese shreds to the marketplace. Prior to Kraft rolling out horizontal zipper packaging, Sargento was the exclusive shredded cheese marketer in zipper packaging, but it was vertical zip.) A 1-ounce serving of Velveeta Queso Blanco shredded cheese, which is about a ¼-cup, contains 60 calories, 3 grams of fat and 5 grams of protein. This nutrient profile suggests that it is a better-for-you option when compared to the company’s Mexican Cheddar Jack shredded blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack natural cheeses, which has a ¼-cup serving containing 100 calories, 9 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein. The Velveeta brand can also be found on shelf-stable jarred dips, as well as side and meal kits in the categories of casserole kits, pasta meals and sides, potato sides and skillet meals. For more information, visit www.velveeta.com

	BOLD CHEESE! IT'S HELUVA GOOD! (posted November 19, 2012) Continuing a legacy of bringing innovative and exciting flavors to ordinary favorites, HP Hood LLC’s Heluva Good! brand introduces BOLD cheeses. This new line of naturally aged cheeses, which is now available in select Northeast grocers, includes Chipotle Cheddar, Habanero Jack and Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar. “These new flavors put a twist on traditional favorites and provide bold options to cheese lovers,” says Chris Ross, vice president of marketing. “The BOLD flavors are each pronounced and unique, and offer consumers a great new way to add flavor to their holiday gatherings, family parties or everyday snacks and dinners.” Each new flavor is distinctly different from the rest. Chipotle Cheddar offers a smoky, sharp cheddar cheese taste. Habanero Jack is a smooth, creamy jack cheese with a habanero spice. Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar is aged for more than 15 months for a seriously sharp flavor. For more information, visit www.heluvagood.com

	BRIE WITH SOME KICK (posted November 15, 2012) Just in time for holiday entertaining, Arla Foods introduces a new concept to its European-style rich and creamy brie cheese line. It’s brie with some kick. Sold under the Saga brand, the two new flavors of brie are: Jalapeno and Everything Spice. The latter includes a spicy blend of sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, minced onion, minced garlic, poppy seeds and black caraway seeds. The 10-ounce rounds sell for $7.99. For more information, visit www.arlafoodsusa.com

	CHEESE FROM DOWN UNDER SHOULD SCORE BIG IN THE STATES (posted November 13, 2012) Moondarra is an indigenous Koori word and the name of a rich, lush pastoral region of Gippsland, Australia, renowned for the quality and variety of its dairy products. And like Moondarra Cheese Pty LTD’s namesake, Moondarra Cheese, which is now available in the States, is also widely acclaimed for its high-quality, innovative and unique range of flavored cheeses. The company uses the freshest ingredients and combines this with a unique method of processing and packaging to allow its innovations to be experienced in the States…or at least in Chicago, where the 120-gram rolls of seasoned cream cheese are debuting in the specialty cheese case of Safeway-owned stores. The company says that its vacuum-sealed technology maintains freshness and maximizes shelf life. Yummy! Varieties are: Apricot & Almond, Cranberry & Macadamia and Fig & Walnut. A 30-gram serving of any variety contains 100 to 110 calories, and 7.9 to 9.4 grams of fat, depending on flavor. These flavorful cheeses are making their way into markets throughout the world. In addition to the U.S., these cheeses are rolling out to select markets in S.E. Asia, Korea and Russia. For more information, visit www.moondarracheese.com.au/

	STATE CHEDDARS UNITE (posted November 5, 2012) Sargento shows cheese marketers that collaboration is a way to grow the cheese business! (Did you miss Friday’s BLOG entitled: Collaborate to Innovate? Read it HERE.) Simply, in perfect harmony, Sargento combines cheddars from four states—California, New York, Vermont and Wisconsin—in its new Chef Blends 4 State Cheddar shredded cheese. For more information, visit www.sargento.com/products/223/sargento-chef-blends-four-state-cheddar-shredded-cheese/

	LABNE IS NOW MADE IN THE USA (posted November 1, 2012) Labne is best described as a thick and creamy, as well as spreadable, yogurt cheese. It functions as a better-for-you alternative to a cream cheese spread for bagels. And in most recipes, can substitute for cream cheese, sour cream and yogurt. It’s quite versatile and very delicious. Karoun Dairies Inc., a U.S. company founded in 1992 by dairy experts from the Mediterranean region, produces dairy products that resemble foods from Mediterranean countries. This includes labne, which tastes like authentic Lebanese yogurt cheese. Labne is traditionally made by draining whey from slightly salted yogurt. Karoun describes its product as starting from a kefir base. Sold in 1-pound containers, Karoun Labne comes in regular and lite varieties. A two-tablespoon serving of regular contains 60 calories and 6 grams of fat, while the lite drops down to 35 calories and 3 grams of fat. Containers feature a variety of seals, including “Real California Milk,” “Live Probiotic Cultures” and “rBST Free.” For more information, visit www.karouncheese.com

	ARTISAN CHEESES FOR THE DELI-PRODUCE DEPARTMENT (posted October 22, 2012) Litehouse Foods, long known for salad dressings, now markets hand-crafted cheeses in the retail deli-produce department. The program includes artisan blue cheese, gorgonzola and feta, which are available in wedges, wheels, crumbles and a unique center cut of the blue cheese. “What makes the Litehouse Artisan Deli Cheese line unique is the quality and taste of the cheese, coupled with the unique packaging,” according to Stacey Miller, business development manager. “There are a lot of great cheeses out there, and a lot of not so great cheeses. We needed to educate consumers on our high quality, and to have a point of difference to stand out. Our niche is offering a premium domestic cheese.” The premier item is the center cut blue cheese. This cut comes from the heart of the blue cheese, and is carefully displayed on a domed tray that becomes a serving tray for the cheese. Something new to the category are the wedges, which are hand wrapped in eco-friendly brown paper with a stylish label. There are also 6-pound wheels of gorgonzola and blue cheese--a beautiful centerpiece for any deli merchandising and for the true blue cheese enthusiast. Litehouse premium domestic cheeses are made with locally sourced, single-source milk. The blue cheese and gorgonzola are made in small batches from vintage recipes with strains dating back to pre-World War II, according to the company. Each wheel is hand turned, hand salted and aged a minimum of 100 days. For more information, visit www.litehousefoods.com.

	INTENSELY FLAVORED CHEESE (posted September 25, 2012) Yancey’s Fancy, known for its use of intense flavors in artisan pasteurized process cheese, has been busy creating and perfecting five new items to add to its expanding list of flavors. Two of the new flavors--Natural Smoked Jalapeno & Cayenne Cheddar and Natural Smoked Applewood & Hickory Double Cream Cheddar--are naturally smoked in a smoke house as opposed to adding liquid smoke flavor as was done in the past. The resulting taste is a more natural, fresh flavoring that is sure to please. With the growing popularity of chipotle peppers, Yancey’s is introducing two cheeses that are sure to make your eyes water: Chipotle Cheddar and Chipotle & Habanero Cheddar. The fifth and final new flavor is Fresh Killer Dill Cheddar. As the name suggests, it packs a punch with dill. For more information, visit www.yanceysfancy.com

	ITALIAN DELI CHEESE (posted September 20, 2012) The taste of Italy now comes freshly sliced from the supermarket deli. Land O’Lakes Inc., is rolling out Land O Lakes 4 Cheese Italian Blend, which combines the rich flavors of Asiago, Romano and Parmesan with creamy American to bring the authentic taste of Italy to American fare. Hard Italian cheeses, such as Asiago, Romano and Parmesan, tend to melt more slowly than American cheese. As a result, it takes a little longer for Land O Lakes 4 Cheese Italian Blend to melt, but consumers still find the creamy texture they expect from American cheese in this Italian blend. The company’s test kitchens developed recipes and tips that highlight the wide range of uses for this new processed cheese product. The cheese comes in 5-lb loaves for made-to-order slicing in the deli. Each 1-ounce serving contains 100 calories and 70 grams of fat. For more information, visit www.landolakes.com/4CheeseItalianBlend/

	PIZZA-FLAVORED CHEESE SNACKS (posted Sepember 10, 2012) After school snacking just got tastier with new Borden Pizza String, which is mozzarella-style string cheese with pizza seasonings. Dairy Farmers of America produces this tasty treat, selling them in packs of eight. Each 0.83-gram string contains 70 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. Strings can be stretched and pulled and pieces dunked into pizza or pasta sauce for extra enjoyment. For more information, visit www.friendsofelsie.com.

	UNIQUELY FLAVORED SPECIALTY CHEESES (posted August 22, 2012) Sartori is introducing two new flavors to its popular BellaVitano cheese line, which is a collection of unique and premium cheeses inspired by the company’s founder Paolo Sartori. Cannella BellaVitano is part of the Sartori Limited Edition Line. Notes of cinnamon complement this creamy, fruity cheese. It is rolling out in fall 2012. Peppermint BellaVitano is hand-rubbed with peppermint candy, creating a pink, tangy cheese with a sweet peppermint kiss. The cheese will be sold in limited quantities in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, with a dollar per pound sold donated to breast cancer research. Both will be available in wheels and various retail cuts. For more information, visit www.sartoricheese.com.

	NATURAL CHEESE SLICES WITH IMPROVED MELT (posted August 21, 2012) Kraft extends its “A Touch of Philly” cheese line with three slice varieties: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack. The company developed a process to combine Philadelphia Cream Cheese with natural cheese to create a slice that melts faster, smoother and with a more even melt with less oiling off. Adding just a touch of cream cheese does not add a significant amount of calories or fat, meaning Nutrition Facts remain the same as like varieties of the company’s traditional Kraft Natural Sliced Cheeses. The shingle-stacked slices come 10 to a pack, with each slice being 0.7 ounces. For more information, visit www.kraftrecipes.com/kraftcheese/slices.aspx.

	KERRYGOLD DUBLINER GOES REDUCED FAT (posted August 13, 2012) Dubliner, a proprietary cheese variety and U.K.-based Kerrygold’s best-seller in the U.S., is a cheese with complexity, enticing texture and heady aromas. It has a natural hint of sweetness, elements of mature cheddar, the nutty taste of a Swiss and the piquant bite of aged Parmesan. It is at once crumbly yet creamy, with the aromas of fresh-baked bread layered with fresh buttermilk. And…the good news…the reduced-fat version is virtually indistinguishable from the original, according to the company. Like all Kerrygold cheeses and butter, Reduced Fat Dubliner is made in Ireland with milk from grass-fed cows that are never given growth hormones. The cows are raised on small family farms; average herd size is 60. Kerrygold Reduced Fat Dubliner is available in 7-ounce parchment packages, exactly like the original Dubliner, but with a blue stripe across the package to identify the reduced-fat version. For more information, visit www.kerrygoldusa.com

	FLAVORFUL NEW CHEESE OFFERINGS (posted August 2, 2012) Dairy Farmers of America has been growing its Borden-branded cheese line, with the most recent introduction being shreds in Gouda and Whole Milk Mozzarella varieties. Recognizing American’s growing passion for smoky flavors—everything from pulled pork to chipotle peppers--the company also now offers a Smoked Cheddar flavor in its natural cheese slices line and its Singles Sensations line of process cheese singles. For the health-conscious cheese consumer, the Borden pasteurized process cheese slices line now includes 2% Milk Swiss, 2% Milk Pepper Jack and Fat-Free Pepper Jack. There’s also a new 2% Milk Mozzarella shredded cheese offering. For more information, visit www.friendsofelsie.com.

	PORTION CONTROLLING CHEESE (posted July 22, 2012) Alouette is helping consumers continue to enjoy its creamy, namesake spreadable cheese through the introduction of Alouette Portions. Perfectly sized and foil wrapped for freshness, Portions are great for snacking anytime, anywhere. Portions come in Original and Italian Herbs varieties, and contain only 40 calories per 17-gram cube. The cubes are sold in packs of eight at a suggested retail price of $3.99. The brand recently became the exclusive sponsor of the Portion Size Me Summer Tour, a cross-country journey featuring 12-year-old Marshall Reid and his mother, Alex, co-authors of Portion Size Me. This recently released book chronicles the family’s journey to weight loss and better health through good food and snacking habits that are achievable in portioned sizes without taste sacrifice. “Portion Size Me is a lifestyle that started out as a summer project to get my family in shape with new, interesting ways to think about our food choices,” says the child author. “We hope that our summer tour can inspire families across the country to consider the Portion Size Me lifestyle, which is pretty simple: swap unhealthy ingredients for better ones, shop local markets and farms when you can, stick to the correct portion sizes, and never give up on yourself.” For more information, visit www.alouettecheese.com

	COTTAGE CHEESE: THE ORIGINAL HIGH-PROTEIN CULTURED DAIRY PRODUCT (posted July 20, 2012) Cottage cheese is poised for a comeback thanks to its inherent high-protein content and ability to complement both sweet and savory flavors, enabling it to be an appetizer, snack, meal or dessert. Read about this on my July 20, 2012 BLOG.

	IMPORTED CHEESE THAT BITES—OUCH! (posted July 19, 2012) With its playful warning, “Careful. It Bites!”, Trugman-Nash, an affiliate of MCT Dairies, has launched an exciting new line of vintage Australian cheddar cheeses under the brand name Old Croc. Available in two varieties—Old Croc Sharp and Old Croc Extra Sharp—these classic white Australian cheddars are all natural and crafted from 100% pure Australian milk from pasture-fed cows that have not been treated with artificial growth hormones. Old Croc Sharp and Old Croc Extra Sharp are carefully aged a minimum of nine and 18 months, respectively, and promise a “delightfully bold bite.” “With the growing demand for bolder, more flavorful cheeses, we're very excited to introduce this new brand of specialty Australian cheddar to the U.S. market,” says Ken Meyers, CEO of MCT Dairies and Trugman-Nash. The cheeses are available in 7-ounce and 24-ounce cuts, as well as 10/11 lb. random-weight loaves. For more information, visit www.oldcroccheese.com.

	RAW-MILK, DUTCH-STYLE WISCONSIN CHEESE (posted July 10, 2012) Holland’s Family Cheese introduced Marieke Golden at the 2012 International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) Expo. This semi-soft Wisconsin cheese is crafted from milk from cows not treated with artificial growth hormone and it uses vegetable rennet. The raw milk is piped straight into the processing vat after the first milking of the day, where it is made into cheese within mere hours. The cheese is carefully cured on Dutch pine planks in the company’s aging cellars. Marieke Golden develops a creamy mouthfeel rich in nuttiness with hints of sweet fruit. It has a soft, buttery texture and pleasantly sweet aroma. For more information, visit www.hollandsfamilycheese.com.

	NEW OFFERINGS FOR DELI CHEESE (posted June 28, 2012) Finlandia Cheese Inc., a subsidiary of Valio Ltd., rolled out eight new varieties of deli cheese at the recent International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) show. The company now offers a turnkey deli solution for the owner/retailer seeking a one-stop-shop for their entire deli cheese inventory. The new varieties are: Provolone: A true classic, Finlandia Provolone is aged 60 days for a sharp, authentic provolone flavor and distinct texture. American: The company made a true favorite bolder and more flavorful by creating it with six-month aged cheddar cheese. This cheese was developed with a proprietary formula using cheddar as the base to create a special American for the cheese lover who desires a bit more flavor. Cheddar: This cheddar is smooth and creamy and aged six months for a bolder flavor. Monterey Jack: Delicate and buttery, this cheese also has a creamy, smooth melt. Havarti: This cheese has a buttery and slightly zesty flavor profile, with a smooth, delicate texture. Pepper Jack: To make this cheese, cheesemakers started with the delicate buttery taste of Monterey Jack and kicked it up a notch with spicy jalapeno peppers. Colby Jack: The mild Colby flavor mixed with the buttery flavor of Monterey Jack produces a flavorful, creamy Colby Jack. Jalapeno Muenster: This cheese is the perfect combination of a mild creamy Muenster cheese with the spicy kick of jalapeno peppers. Drawing upon 100 years of European cheese-making experience, Finlandia uses only the finest ingredients, such as pure, farm-fresh milk and ages their cheese to perfection. All of Finlandia’s new deli cheeses are supported by a comprehensive, in-store marketing program as well as employee cheese education. For more information, visit www.finlandiacheese.com.

	PREMIUM CHEESE SPREADS (posted June 19, 2012) Swiss Colony Retail Brands is reinventing the processed cheese spread category with its new line of The Wisconsin Cheeseman Incredible Spreadable cheese spreads. There are eight varieties, all based on cream cheese. Garlic has a kick of spices and a bit of bite. Sweet Hot Peppers is a blend of jalapeno and bell peppers plus onions for a slightly hot, savory-sweet spread. Garden Vegetable is a zesty, refreshing blend of bell peppers, carrots, celery, onions, dill weed and garlic. Spinach contains its namesake nutrient-rich green along with garlic, onion and spices. Lobster Delight tastes like lobster blended with toasted onions, chives and spice. Shrimp Scampi combines shrimp flavor with a tang of garlic. Crab Delight melds the flavors of shrimp, onion, chives and spices. Smoked Salmon combines subtle, smoky salmon flavor with a touch of cheddar, onions and chives. For more information, visit www.scretailbrands.com.

	REDUCED-CHOLESTEROL CHEESE AND BUTTER (posted May 29, 2012) Benelact Dairy introduces a reduced-cholesterol (one-third less) line of cheese and butter. The products are made using a patented technology that mechanically removes cholesterol from milk and cream without the use of chemicals. Fats remain untouched, so flavor, functionality and nutrition stay completely intact. No flavor-enhancing additives or preservatives are required. Benelact Dairy products are real, all-natural dairy foods with simple ingredients. This is particularly important to the increasing number of consumers who avoid additives and actively seek natural foods with clean labels. The company makes all cuts and varieties of cheese, including commodity, specialty and ethnic types, as well as salted and unsalted butter varieties. Future products include reduced-cholesterol milk, yogurt, frozen pizza and milk powders. For more information, visit www.benelactdairy.com.

	HISPANIC-FLAVORED DELI CHEESES (posted May 14, 2012) Boar’s Head Brand, a leading provider of premium delicatessen products, introduces Boar’s Head Bold, a new line of Hispanic-flavored deli meats and cheeses. Inspired by flavors from Brazil, 3 Pepper Colby Jack Cheese is crafted from a blend of three peppers: jalapeno, chipotle and habanero. Jalapeno adds intense flavor, chipotle creates a deep smokiness and habanero brings an extra smoky, spicy burn to every bite. Chipotle Gouda Cheese is influenced by the port city of Veracruz, Mexico. It is a semi-sweet Gouda, mild and mellow, infused with just enough chipotle and jalapeno peppers for a unique savory, smoky flavor and medium heat. “With the trend in foreign travel and the popularity of ethnic foods, consumers have developed an appetite for complex flavor profiles. With our new line of Bold products, Boar’s Head is creating unique and delicious products that make international tastes convenient and accessible,” says Michael Martella, president of Boar’s Head. For more information, visit www.boarshead.com.

	LIGHT SPREADABLE CHEESE WEDGES (posted April 18, 2012) Just in time for summer-time picnic packing, Crystal Farms introduces a line of light spreadable cheese wedges. Consumers appreciate the portability and convenience of the 4-ounce spreadable cheese wedge, which is sold in packs of six in a sturdy, recyclable cardboard round container. Varieties are: Light Creamy Swiss, Light Garlic and Herb, and Light Jalapeño Pepper. Similar cheese wedges became popular during the low-carb craze, as they contain virtually no carbohydrates and are loaded with satiating protein. At just 30 calories per serving, a wedge of the new light varieties contains a mere 1.5 grams of fat along with 3 grams of quality protein, which complements the snacking trend of “filling up” on protein-rich foods.

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