Instore - November 2018 - 16

specialty insights

CONSIDER

Italian cheeses

The news will come as a shock to many: American cheese is no longer
the top cheese made in America.
About 5.38 billion pounds of Italian cheeses were produced in the U.S.
in 2017, more than any other kind, including cheddar and all other
American varieties combined, according to recent numbers from
the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural
Statistics Service. American cheeses came in second, with 5.07 billion
pounds.
The ascent of Italian cheese, however, doesn't surprise producers of
cheese sold in grocery instore delis. The versatility of Italian product
has long been celebrated, and suppliers are adding to the abundance
with new products and new takes on old standbys.
Richfield, Wisconsin-based Saputo Specialty Cheese, a division of
Montreal-based Saputo Inc., will soon launch a new line of rubbed
wedges under its Stella brand, says Kristy Klug,
the company's marketing manager.
The Fontinella line features four flavors: Basil
Pesto, Harissa, Bourbonista and Black Pepper.
Each flavor is rubbed on Fontinella cheese,
which Klug describes as "delicately sweet and
creamy smooth, with just a hint of sharpness."
The 6 oz wedges are perfect for entertaining
during the upcoming holiday season, Klug says.
And with on-trend flavors and spices such as
harissa, a North African hot chili pepper condiment, she says consumers can branch out and
try new flavors while enjoying Saputo's wellknown Fontinella.

Made in America
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Italian, 5.38 billion
American, 5.07 billion pounds
Cream and Neufchatel, 942.9 million pounds
Swiss, 316.7 million pounds
Hispanic, 286.9 million pounds
Muenster, 187.8 million pounds
Feta, 127.7 million pounds
Blue and gorgonzola, 91.3 million pounds
Gouda, 65.4 million pounds

16 * NOVEMBER 2018 * instore

Saputo also has released new additions to expand its fresh mozzarella line, Klug says. Stella Fresh
Mozzarella Pearls and Stella Sliced
Fresh Mozzarella are designed
with convenience and snacking in
mind, she says. "Now consumers
can enjoy the gourmet taste of our
fresh mozzarella with simplicity."
Also new at Saputo in the past year
are 8 oz pillow bags and an organic
version of its mozzarella.
The Stella-branded pillow bags
come in three varieties: shaved
parmesan, shredded parmesan
and shredded Italian three-cheese
blend. Klug said the pillow bags
are more upscale, artisanal and
gourmet than a traditional plastic
container.
"Hard Italian-style cheeses in twist tie bags have been delivering solid
growth within the specialty deli section," she says. "These appeal to
consumers who are looking for that artisan, gourmet look and feel."
The new Stella-branded Organic Fresh Mozzarella, meanwhile, is
an organic version of Saputo's traditional mozzarella offerings, Klug
says. The product is being marketed in 4 oz balls and 8 oz logs.
Darien, Connecticut-based Norseland Inc. also has new Italian
cheese products on the market. The company began shipping its Igor
Gorgonzola Exact Weight wedges in September, says Heather Iafrate,
marketing manager.
The cheese is made in Novara, Italy,
by the Igor Group, a company with
roots tracing back to 1935 which now
produces about two million Gorgonzola
wheels a year.
Also new at Norseland is a line of Lotitobranded Italian street foods that features
cheese-filled items from Naples (Mini
Calzoncelli), Rome (Battered and Stuffed
Zucchini Flowers, Suppli Croquettes)
and Sicily (Breaded Mini Eggplant and
Mozzarella Bites, Mini Arancini, Medium
Arancini and Large Arancini).

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