MANCHESTER, UK, 2014-8-5 — /EPR Retail News/ — The British are a nation of cheese lovers, whether it’s classic cheese on toast, the all-important cheese slice on a burger, or a more sophisticated cheeseboard – but as consumers taste become more adventurous, The Co-operative Food is expanding its range, with a whole host of textures and tastes guaranteed to satisfy cheese fans around the UK.
This week, The Co-operative Food has seen significant sales increases on their cheese ranges. Sales of Mozzarella are up by 78%, Cooking Cheese are up by 38% and Halloumi 22%, proving that Britain is finding ways to introduce more adventurous cheeses in to summer cooking cuisine as well as the typically traditional Christmas cheeseboards and winter dishes. The category’s sales overall are currently 6% up from last year.
The Co-operative’s cheese range has consistently achieved high accolades from the International Cheese Awards, and this year is no exception. The community retailer beat off stiff competition to pick up 12 awards at the historic International Cheese Awards 2014 at the Nantwich Show in Cheshire this week, which attracted a record-breaking 4,443 entries with competitors from 26 countries worldwide.
The Co-operative achieved three Gold awards in total for their Truly Irresistible Farmhouse Red Leicester, Truly Irresistible Gorgonzola Picante and the Truly Irresistible Epoisses along with a number of silver and bronze awards.
The Co-operative’s Cheese Buyer, Jamie Seymour, said:
“We are passionate about providing delicious, great-value cheeses, and search all over the world to find the absolute best for our customers. We’ve already seen evidence that consumers are wanting to try new cheeses as well as becoming ‘kitchen connoisseurs’ for the cheeses they know and love.“Our award-winning cheese range makes superb quality and excellently sourced products accessible and affordable for our customers, as well as offering something for everyone.”
New Additions to the Range:
The Co-operative Loved By Us Baking Iberico with Orange & Chilli, 130g – £3
This hot eating Iberico and orange and chilli sauce dish will transport those famously authentic Spanish flavours and smells to your dining table.
The Co-operative Loved by Us Halloumi Burger Slices, 4 x 50g – £2.59
This cheese has taken the market by storm this year, already flying off the shelves at The Cooperative Food. The trendy addition is salty and satisfying and is becoming a favourite amongst vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The burger slices are made from fresh cows, sheep and goats milk and are pre-sliced and ready to eat for optimum convenience.
The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Chaource, 250g – £3.49 Launches November
Cheese connoisseurs can rejoice as this delectable treat is now available from their local Co-operative Food store. Produced in the Bourgogne region of France, this sophisticated cheese is matured for a creamy, smooth texture – a must for those wanting to impress their guests.
The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Savarin, 200g – £3.99 Launches November
For those who love an indulgent and extraordinarily creamy cheese, but prefer a milder flavour, this is the cheese for you. The triple cream luscious brie is a winning combination when paired with a perfectly suited white wine – the saltiness of the cheese also means it can be paired well with pale ale.
The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Wookey Hole Cheddar, 200g – £2.80
Just when you thought the King of the cheeses, the Cheddar, couldn’t get any better, The Co-operative Food launch this quirky and delicious addition to their Loved by Us range. Recently achieving a silver medal in the International Cheese Awards 2014, this cave-aged Cheddar is made using the art of manufacturing cheese in caves, a method that dates back to the 16th century. The cheese matures in Somerset’s Wookey Hole cave for 9 months, longer than any competitor, which gives it its unrivalled full-flavoured taste. A sure-fire conversation starter to add to any Christmas cheeseboard.
NEW! The Co-operative Baking Feta with Sundried Tomato Pesto, 130g – £3.00
Feta served hot has a wonderfully creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture that is satisfying and light – perfect for summer. Roast these gorgeous salty Greek feta cubes with the herby sundried Tomato pesto for a delicious addition to a meze feast or an impressive dinner party starter. Accompany with toasted pitta bread for dipping or salad leaves for a lighter snack.
Additional NEW cheeses in the range:
- The Co-operative Loved by Us Rich & Creamy Blue Stilton, 230g (£2.49)
- The Co-operative Loved by US Mature Cheddar, 240g/ 400g (£2.79)
- The Co-operative Loved by Us Mild & Creamy Brie, 200g (£1.59)
- The Co-operative Goats Log, 65g (£1.20)
- The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Manchego, 175g (£3.00)
- The Co-operative Baking Camembert with Pancetta, 130g (£3.00)
- The Co-operative Baking Camembert, 250g (£3.00)
- The Co-operative Loved by Us Hot and Spicy Cheddar Slices, 150g (£2.49)
Launches November - The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Extra Mature Cheddar, 340g (£4.50)
- The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Mature Cheddar, 340g (£4.50). Buy one get two free on Truly Irresistible Mature Cheddar, 340g (Available from 23 July – 12 August inclusive)
The full list of The Co-operative’s own-brand winners:
| Award | Winning Cheese |
|---|---|
| Gold | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Farmhouse Red Leicester |
| Gold | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Gorgonzola Picante |
| Gold | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Epoisses |
| Silver | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Belton Cheshire |
| Silver | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Wookey Hole |
| Bronze | The Co-operative Cambozola |
| Bronze | The Co-operative Goat’s cheese Disc |
| Bronze | The Co-operative Oak Smoked Cheddar |
| Bronze | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Appenzeller |
| Bronze | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Mature Gouda |
| Highly commended | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Camembert |
| Highly commended | The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Reblochon |
For further information, samples and images please contact:
Jenny Long or Lauren Chambers at The Co-operative Food Press Office
Tel: 0161 767 4254 Email: jennifer.long@co-operative.coop or lauren.chambers@co-operative.coop
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