Cheese Shops: The Art Of Sourcing

where do cheese shops get their cheese

Cheese shops, or cheesemongers, source their products from farmers and producers around the world. The cheese is then selected, evaluated, stored, matured, cut, and wrapped by a cheesemonger, who is a cheese expert. Some cheese shops, such as Whole Foods Market, have their own cheese ambassadors who travel the world to find the finest cheeses and meet the makers. Other cheese shops, like iGourmet, offer a vast selection of international and domestic cheeses, including water buffalo milk options and accompaniments. In addition to selling cheese, some shops also offer other gourmet products and international delicacies, such as freshly made pasta, sauces, tapenades, wines, and seasonal truffles.

Characteristics Values
Number of cheese varieties 600
Types of cheese Grass-fed, international, domestic, artisan, award-winning, exotic, gourmet, rare, seasonal, international, local, specialty, finest
Cheese sources Local independent cheese shops, online cheese stores, small farms, creameries, farmers, producers
Cheese sellers Cheesemongers, cheese shops, fromageries
Cheese experts Cheesemongers
Additional services Advice on pairing, serving and cooking with cheese, tasting rare and seasonal cheeses
Accompanying products Wines, pasta, sauces, tapenades, spreads, caviar, seasonal truffles, charcuterie, gourmet foods, sandwiches, salads, sides

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Online cheese shops

One popular online cheese shop is iGourmet, which offers a massive selection of both international and domestic cheeses. They provide the option to order gift boxes, bulk orders of cheese, or a combination of cheese and meats. iGourmet is a great choice for those who want a diverse range of options to create a charcuterie board or grilled cheese feast.

Another well-known online cheese shop is Murray's Cheese, which offers gourmet cheeses and meats, as well as unique experiences like mini mozz-making classes and Italian cheese-tasting events in NYC. Murray's Cheese provides an immersive experience that goes beyond just purchasing cheese, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts.

For those who appreciate small-batch American cheese, Sweet Grass Dairy in Georgia is an excellent choice. They use rotational grazing to ensure happy, pasture-fed cows, resulting in cheese with a distinct grass-fed flavour. Their online shop offers a variety of cheeses, including a decadent Camembert-style Green Hill and a pimento cheese that is perfect for pairing with your favourite baguette.

Lastly, online shops like Vern's Cheese and Frank and Sal, as recommended by Reddit users, offer efficient shipping and a range of options, including excellent Italian cheeses.

Whether you're creating a charcuterie board, hosting a fondue night, or simply indulging in your favourite cheeses, online cheese shops provide a convenient and diverse selection of options delivered directly to your home.

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Local, independently-owned cheese shops

These shops typically source their cheese from local farmers and small cheesemakers, either directly or through distributors. Some shops may also import cheese from international producers. For example, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills has been offering its customers the opportunity to taste rare and seasonal cheeses since 1967, alongside a wide variety of other gourmet products and international delicacies. Similarly, Boston-based Formaggio Kitchen carries artisan foods from around the world, including exotic cheeses from Italy, France, and the British Isles.

Some cheese shops may also offer online delivery services, such as iGourmet, which delivers a large selection of both international and domestic cheeses. iGourmet is known for its water buffalo milk options, including buffalo milk butter, buffalo milk Gouda, and buffalo milk Gorgonzola. Other online cheese shops, like Saxelby Cheese, focus on delivering regional American farmstead cheeses from small farms and creameries across the country.

Overall, local cheese shops offer a unique and personalized experience, allowing customers to explore a diverse range of cheeses and discover new favourites.

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Cheese shops with in-house cheesemongers

Independent cheese shops often source their cheese from local farms and cheesemakers, ensuring a fresh and seasonal selection. For example, Saxelby Cheese offers a selection of regional American farmstead cheeses, sourced from small farms and creameries across the country. Similarly, Whole Foods Market passionately sources its cheese from farmers and producers worldwide, including hand-selecting wheels in Italy.

Some cheese shops focus on importing a wide variety of cheeses from around the world, such as Formaggio Kitchen, which stocks artisan foods and exotic cheeses from Italy, France, and the British Isles. The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills also offers over 600 varieties of imported cheeses, along with other gourmet products and international delicacies.

Online cheese shops, like iGourmet, offer a vast selection of both international and domestic cheeses, with options like water buffalo milk cheese, buffalo milk butter, and buffalo milk Gouda. These shops provide convenient delivery services, making it easy for customers to access a diverse range of cheeses from the comfort of their homes.

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International cheese suppliers

Sourcing Cheese from Artisan Cheesemakers: International cheese suppliers collaborate with artisan cheesemakers and farmers across the globe to source a diverse array of cheeses. For example, Somerdale International, a leading British cheese exporter, partners with renowned cheese producers in Great Britain and Ireland, such as Barber's, Joseph Heler, and Cropwell Bishop, to offer a wide range of traditional cheddars, blue cheeses, and flavoured cheeses. Similarly, Whole Foods Market sources its cheese from farmers and producers worldwide, including hand-selecting wheels of cheese in Italy.

Consolidating and Exporting Cheese: International cheese suppliers handle the complex logistics of consolidating, shipping, and facilitating the entry of cheese products into new markets. Somerdale International, for instance, simplifies the process of importing British cheese into the USA by taking care of all the necessary arrangements, making it easier for customers to access specially imported cheese. This consolidation and export process ensures that cheese lovers worldwide can access a diverse range of cheeses from different origins.

Online Retail and Delivery: Many international cheese suppliers have embraced the digital realm, offering online retail options and direct delivery services to their customers. iGourmet, for instance, stands out for its vast selection of international cheeses, including a wide range of water buffalo milk cheeses, such as buffalo milk butter, buffalo milk Gouda, and buffalo milk Gorgonzola. Similarly, Formaggio Kitchen, a Boston-based retailer, offers artisan cheeses from various regions, including Italy, France, and the British Isles. These online platforms make it convenient for cheese enthusiasts to access exotic and gourmet cheese options from the comfort of their homes.

Marketing and Brand Promotion: International cheese suppliers also play a pivotal role in marketing and promoting cheese brands on a global scale. Somerdale International, for instance, leverages its industry experience and connections to showcase British cheese brands to the world. They actively participate in international food shows, such as the SFA Winter Fancy Food Show, to exhibit their cheese products and expand their reach to new markets. This aspect of brand promotion helps to foster recognition and appreciation for cheese varieties from different regions.

In conclusion, international cheese suppliers act as the vital link between cheesemakers and consumers, curating a diverse selection of cheeses from various regions and making them accessible to cheese enthusiasts worldwide. Through their sourcing, exporting, online retail, and marketing efforts, these suppliers contribute to a dynamic and flavourful global cheese landscape.

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American cheesemakers

The American Cheese Society (ACS) is a key player in promoting and supporting American cheesemakers. They offer educational resources, networking opportunities, and industry certifications. ACS also hosts an annual conference and a judging competition, shining a spotlight on the talents of American cheesemakers.

Artisan cheesemakers in the US are independent artisans, often working to grueling schedules to milk animals twice daily and produce fine cheeses. While there were only around 75 artisan cheesemakers in America 20 years ago, today there are hundreds, producing a wide range of unique cheeses.

Some notable American cheesemakers include Reggie Jones, a master of everyday cheeses like the Seascape, as well as aged sheep milk cheeses like the Ewenique. His daughter, Avery Jones, is following in his footsteps with her own notice-gathering operation, Shooting Star Creamery. Leslie Goff of Vermont produces the fragrant, orange-hued Dorset, a washed-rind cheese. Cindy and David Major of Vermont Shepherd Cheese are also renowned for their sheep's milk cheese, aged in underground caves.

Frequently asked questions

Cheese shops in the US source their products from small farms and creameries across the country. Some popular states for cheesemaking include Vermont and Wisconsin.

European cheese shops, particularly those in France, are called "fromageries". These shops make and sell cheese. They source their products from local farmers and producers.

Online cheese shops like iGourmet source their products from international and domestic producers. They offer a wide range of options, including exotic and gourmet cheeses.

Some cheese shops, particularly those in Europe, make their own cheese. However, many cheese shops, especially in the US, source their cheese from various producers and farms.

The availability of cheese in shops varies based on the season, the diet of the animals, and the cheesemaker's choices. Therefore, the selection of cheese in shops can change throughout the year.

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