Blue cheese is gaining in popularity, but there are still consumers wary of its unique characteristics.
If people could expand the horizon of their taste buds a bit, that category growth could be much bigger, said BelGioioso’s Sofia Auricchio Krans.
“The demand is there, it’s just teaching people to go beyond wings and dip,” she said.
To that end, BelGioioso has been showcasing other examples of how you can enjoy blue cheeses.
For instance: blue cheese with sweet cornbread as a savory and sweet combo. Or as a hearty meal with a stewed meat, polenta and a topping of the company’s CreamyGorg as the icing on top.
Taking more of a cue from foodservice is another way to change people’s attitudes about blue cheeses, Krans said.
“Pizzas, burgers and salads are always popular menu items in restaurants that highlight blues and gorgonzola cheeses, and that consumers can replicate at home.”
Jenny Englert, marketing director for Saputo USA, couldn’t agree more. Reminding consumers of the wide variety of usage occasions for blue cheese is crucial.
“There are so many ways to use blue cheese to enhance and elevate a meal. We have a myriad of recipes and have leveraged the power of social media to promote creative blue cheese usage when cooking.”
This year, those efforts have included partnering with 45 influencers from across the country to help develop blue cheese-forward recipes representative of their home state or region.
The results have included everything from tater tot hot dish (Minnesota) to Pierogi grilled cheese (Ohio) to blue basque cheesecake (Nevada).
“It’s incredible to see how innovative and adventurous creators can be with incorporating blue cheese,” Englert said. “Our partners will also feature Treasure Cave Mild Blue Cheese in recipes posted in the new year.”
One of the best things about food, she added, is experimenting with it. And with many foods, you never know until you try.
“Expanding your palate can be fun and surprising. We really want consumers to feel empowered to explore the bold blue and the mild blue cheese flavors in a variety of ways to meet their palette.”
Expanded lineups
In addition to CreamyGorg, BelGioioso’s blue cheese lineup includes traditional Blue Cheese, Crumbly Gorgonzola and Cow & Sheep’s Milk Gorgonzola.
The cheeses are sold in wedges. Blue and Crumbly Gorgonzola also come in pre-crumbled five-ounce cups.
That’s a change from the past, Krans said. BelGioioso used to sell whole wheels, which retailers would cut and wrap instore.
“Now it’s all about pre-priced exact weights and convenience for the consumers.”
One thing that separates BelGioioso’s blue lineup, Krans said, is its variety. Mild, earthy CreamyGorg is referred to by the company as its “gateway gorg.”
Both Blue and Crumbly Gorgonzola, meanwhile, are aged 90 days for a deeper flavor and aroma. And Cow & Sheep’s Milk Gorgonzola has a creamy, tangy body and a unique tag line: “A Twist on Blue with Baa & Moo.”
“We’re very proud of the artisan attention we have given to these cheeses,” Krans said. “Our Master Cheesemaker, Jeff Allen, has embraced crafting BelGioioso blue varieties. “Many people are often intimidated by blues and, from past experience, feel they will be too strong and overpowering in flavor. All of our blues are purposely crafted to give you a well-balanced flavor and a clean aftertaste.”
That contrasts, she said, with other companies’ blues, which at times can be quite pungent and salty.
A walk on the mild side
Saputo USA’s new Treasure Cave Mild Blue Cheese began rolling out at retail in October. So far, the reception has been good, said Jenny Englert, the company’s marketing director.
“Early results indicate that the new flavor profile is exciting consumers, especially those who are blue cheese-curious, but haven’t quite taken the plunge.”
Consumers are happy, she added, that Saputo has added a more approachable and even creamier version of its traditional blue.
“It’s a welcoming entry point.”
The new mild version, she added, has a texture that has been described a number of ways: rich, silky, smooth and buttery, to name a few.
Treasure Cave Mild Blue joins a product roster that also includes Treasure Cave Blue, which is available in wedges and crumbles and in a reduced-fat version; and Gorgonzola varieties, crumbles and wedges.
And Saputo isn’t done innovating in the category, Englert said.
“We’re looking to expand the spectrum of flavor profiles and ways in which consumers can enjoy blue cheese with meals or on the cheese board over time.”