If one thing’s certain in 2021, it’s that our enduring love affair with cheese will keep maturing. We spoke to two renowned cheesemongers and a cheese specialist to get a taste of the upcoming trends for this much-loved snack and essential ingredient

What cheese trends can we expect to see in 2021?
Consumers and cheesemakers everywhere will be looking for simple and deep-flavored cheeses. People want to taste and understand traditional and natural cheeses, so we can expect to witness a new kind of cheese culture in 2021.

What defines a great cheesemonger?
A great cheesemonger is someone who can advise customers according to their tastes. Of course, cheesemongers work with producers to understand the spirit of the terroir. They have to select ripe cheeses and find the optimal taste. Ultimately, cheesemongers must sell their products to consumers and chefs.

What are the characteristics of a great cheese?
A good cheese should be delicious without too much smell. We mainly judge a cheese according to its aftertaste: if it’s not too salty or bitter, for example. We are looking for balance, lactic flavor, the spirit of the cheese and the taste of the land where it is made, just like wine.

What are the newest releases in the French cheese market?
Consumers are increasingly looking for cheeses made by small producers with values. Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, people have been eating locally produced cheeses that they never knew existed. Also, cheese pairing is becoming more and more popular.

Fadi Selwan
Technico commercial manager, Lactalis
International

What cheese trends can we expect to see in 2021?
Due to Covid-19, hard cheeses and those with a long shelf have become increasingly popular on the market. However, soft, fresh cheeses are now in greater demand as well.

What defines a great cheesemonger?
An excellent cheesemonger has to really understand all the cheese families, producers, regions and the characteristics of each cheese. They must know how to professionally cut the cheese to protect its taste and flavors. Above all, they should be creative when it comes to pairing the cheese with other ingredients.

What are the characteristics of a fantastic cheese?
It depends; every type of cheese has its own characteristics. Hard cheeses should have higher maturation. Soft cheeses with a natural rind, such as Brie or Camembert, are traditionally made from raw milk to preserve the milky taste. Goat cheeses, on the other hand, have their own unique characteristics.

What are the latest releases in the French cheese market?
Cheeses that are packed with flavor are definitely in high demand. Herbal and fruity varieties are also gaining popularity.

Francois Robin
Expert cheesemonger, Meilleur Ouvrier
de France

What cheese trends can we expect to see in 2021?
The cheese world is expanding, and good cheeses are in high demand by customers worldwide. This year, with the lockdowns, we’ve seen growth in sales of artisanal cheeses as well as comfort cheese products, including fondue and raclette.

What defines a great cheesemonger?
Keeping your customers satisfied is paramount. My job is to please my clients, advising them of the best cheeses according to their tastes and needs.

What are the characteristics of a great cheese?
Balance between all flavors is key most of the time. The buyer should trust the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label, which indicates great quality.

What are the newest releases in the French cheese market?
The cheese world in France is now super creative and trendy. People want to taste authentic products that are a little different.