Processed Cheese Continues To Win Consumers with Convenience, Flavor

MADISON, Wis.—For years, consumers and food professionals alike have turned to Pasteurized Processed Cheese for superior meltability, mild and appealing taste and versatility in a wide array of cooking applications. And, also for years, Wisconsin companies have produced superior Pasteurized Processed Cheese while continuing to innovate new styles and flavors.

Although natural cheeses have been leading the growth in the cheese category for a number of years, Processed Cheese sales grew 1.3 percent between 2008 and 2009, the first increase in a number of years, including an 11.1 percent growth in private label, according to Symphony IRI Group, Inc., a market research firm.

Pasteurized Processed Cheese is a smooth blend of assorted natural cheeses that are pasteurized to the point where the ripening process stops. Selected natural cheeses are trimmed, ground and melted into steam-jacketed kettles. The melted cheese is then held at the pasteurization stage for at least 30 seconds, but upwards of five minutes. The cheese takes on the flavor of the natural cheese(s) from which it is made. Extremely adaptable, Pasteurized Processed Cheese is frequently flavored with fruits, vegetables, meats or spices.

Often thought of as the quintessential grilled sandwich cheese, the pasteurized processed product lends its great meltability properties to cheesy white sauce, macaroni and cheese, spreads, dips, casseroles and burgers. Because it can tolerate higher temperatures than natural cheese without separating, it does not lump or burn as easily, making it a favorite of many cooks for many dishes.

Whether used in the deli case or prepared foods, Pasteurized Processed Cheese is a great asset to retail sales. Nearly 20 cheese companies make Wisconsin varieties, including Swiss and Cheddar, and flavors such as Bacon, Caraway, Taco, Port Wine, Tomato Basil and more. Wisconsin cheesemakers are consistently offering new variations in styles and types. Among them are:

• DCI's Organic American Slices
• Shullsburg Creamery's Natural Hickory Smoked Swiss, Cheddar and Gouda
• El Viajero's Dipping Cheese

Pasteurized Processed Cheese is available in dispensers, cups, tubs, cans, individually wrapped packages, ribbons and loaves. Convenient styles of Processed Cheeses are leading the way in sales, with sticks, crumbles, blends and shreds all achieving double digit growth over the past year.

The wide variety of available flavored Pasteurized Process Cheeses allows retailers to dedicate a large portion of the cheese case to the category, and capitalize on seasonal sales opportunities by promoting cheese balls, dips, spreads and cheese logs during holiday and entertaining seasons. With grilling season around the corner, cross-merchandising with outdoor grilling foods can increase sales.

For photos or samples, contact Marlena Deutsch at (608) 241-4141 x229 or mdeutsch@stephanbrady.com. For more information about Wisconsin Cheese, visit www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.

Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, a nonprofit organization funded by the dairy farm families of Wisconsin, promotes the awareness and consumption of Wisconsin milk and other dairy products.

Source: Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc.