The tremendous capabilities and extensive line-up of high-quality cheeses available is not well-known outside of the United States. All of that is starting to change as shoppers in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and select markets in the GCC will be able to sample award-winning varieties of U.S. cheeses at their neighborhood retailers.
Between October 17 to 27, Lulu Hypermarket in the UAE will host specialty cheeses that will carry the exclusive “Cheese from the USA” seal and will include an assortment including American Grana, blue cheese, parmesan, mascarpone, Auribella, fontina, asiago and many others.
Cheese consumption in the region is steadily on the rise. UAE, along with the KSA and Kuwait imported 12,343 MT of U.S. cheese between January and July 2019, worth USD 46.9 million. This is nearly 29% increase compared to the same time frame last year. Not only is the United States the single-largest cheese producing country, but our sustainably produced milk supply from all 50 states is crafted into more than 600 varieties of cheese.
Shoppers will have the opportunity to sample and taste the cheeses and speak to experts on the cheeses’ history, specifications and range of applications thanks to efforts of the USA Cheese Guild™. The Guild offers participating retailers an unparalleled training opportunity for staff to unlock the value and enjoyment of cheeses with their customers, called the USA Cheese Specialist Certification™ program. Cheese expert Sheri Allen, American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional (ACS CCP™), is working on behalf of the Guild with retailers in five countries in the Middle East to ensure that deli staff offer an elevated cheese sampling experience through visual and gastronomic pairing suggestions.
Firas Zahreddine, Key Account Manager at U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) said, “The demand on U.S. specialty cheeses is steadily rising in the Gulf region, with the choice of varieties also growing correspondingly at local retail shops year on year. U.S cheeses are associated with high food safety standards, exquisite quality and exceptional taste, and retailers are acknowledging this by delivering what shoppers ask for”.
Across the region, working closely with retailers including Lulu, Carrefour, Danube, Manuel, Tamimi, and Sultan Center, the Guild will set up dedicated booths offering the new cheeses.
For more details, visit Think USA Dairy and follow USA Cheese Guild on Facebook.
