instore - March/April 2014 - (Page 40)

gear up for thanksgiving parties all you need is cheese by Anna Braunsdorf Almost as much as turkey and potatoes, cheese is a part of the holiday meal. It is a crowd-pleasing comfort food available in a seemingly endless array of varieties, and it has the power to transform holiday dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Appetizers "Each type of cheese has a unique flavor and can be used as an ingredient in the holiday meal or as part of delicious appetizers and cheese plates," said Jamie Wichlacz, marketing manager at BelGioioso Cheese, Inc. "Cheese seems to be a crowd favorite as an appetizer," says Lauren VanSpeybroeck, corporate marketing manager at Swiss Valley Farms. Not only is it a favorite, it can be used in a multitude of appetizers: Stacey Miller, business development manager at Litehouse Foods, says that cheese provides a solution for holiday party guests and hosts alike who are looking for unique, gourmet items to bring to and serve at gatherings. Becky Ryan, director of marketing at Emmi Roth USA, Inc., agreed: "The holidays are when most consumers look to upscale their menus with specialty cheese." Cheese Trays: Cheese is a fantastic standalone appetizer, and some brands make it especially easy for instore customers to execute. "Our Blue Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese Center Cuts are packaged with a perfect and convenient serving tray," Miller says. This holiday season, offer your customers a wide variety of ordinary and specialty cheese options, integrate unique cheese flavors into your prepared deli dishes, and educate consumers about the many ways they can use cheese in the kitchen. "The holidays are when most consumers look to upscale their menus with specialty cheese." Becky Ryan, director of marketing at Emmi Roth USA, Inc 40 * MAR + APR 2014 * instore The following ideas can help you maximize the flavor and sales potential of cheese in every aspect of the holiday meal. Antipasto: "BelGioioso Sharp Provolone, American Grana, and Fresh Mozzarella or Burrata pair perfectly with deli items such as salami, prosciutto, roasted tomatoes, marinated olives, and red peppers," Wichlacz says. Ryan suggested "combining olives with Gran Queso, herbs, and olive oil for a simply delicious appetizer." And Miller says, "Blue and Gorgonzola Cheeses pair great with water crackers, dried apricots, and walnuts, or with crostinis, dried figs, prosciutto, salami, and more!" PHOTO CREDIT: BELGIOIOSO PHOTO CREDIT: BELGIOIOSO

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of instore - March/April 2014

Instore - March/April 2014
Editor's Note - The Thanksgiving Issue
What's in store for Nov. + Dec.
Table of Contents
News - Industry Mourns Loss of Carol Christison
On Our Radar
Trending - Muffins
Trending - Deli Prepared Foods
Regulation - Nutrition Labels
Proposed changes at a glance
Consider Whole Grains
Grab-and-go Growing
The Flavors of a Diverse America
Promoting Value
Connecting to Communities
All You Need is Cheese
Embracing Hispanic Trends
Product Trends - First to Market
Product Showcase/Ad Index
Next Up - Christmas and New Year's

instore - March/April 2014