Dive Brief:
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Whole Foods is offering 50% off one artisanal cheese variety every day until Dec. 23 as part of its "12 Days of Cheese" promotion, according to a company press release. Amazon Prime members receive an extra 10% off.
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The selection of cheeses to go on sale was chosen by Whole Foods’ team of 386 certified cheese professionals. Some of the cheeses that will be featured in the remaining days include Emmi Cave Aged Le Gruyere, Sweet Grass Dairy Thomasville Tomme, Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue and Klare Melk Truffle Gouda.
- Aldi has also doubled down on cheese for the holidays. The retailer is selling festive shaped cheeses like a star, Santa’s coat and a snowman as well as cheese-filled ornaments and alcohol-infused cheddars. The grocer also sold a limited amount of cheese Advent calendars.
Dive Insight:
Aldi and Whole Foods are looking to simplify holiday entertaining for shoppers, and they’re turning to a crowd pleaser: cheese. With each retailer's special promotions, the typically pricey, artisanal offering becomes more budget-friendly and will draw shoppers into the store for their holiday grocery needs.
Aldi's holiday cheese offering is complementary to its other products, including its New Year’s countdown sparkling wine advent calendar. Some of Whole Foods' cheese offerings for the promotion are exclusive to the grocer, the company said.
Packaged Facts found U.S. natural and specialty cheeses reached $16 billion in sales in 2018 with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4% between 2013 and 2018. Despite consumers' concerns over dairy, fat and salt, Packaged Facts expects the natural and specialty cheese market to grow another 2.5% and reach $18 billion by 2023. The organization said premium and specialty cheese will continue to outperform in the market as Americans expand their tastes and buy more full-flavored, higher-priced products.
From discounters to upscale retailers, grocers are well aware of the popularity of cheese. Many, like Wegmans, have dedicated cheese sections and employees to support them, while others, like Trader Joe's, are known for their impressive selection of private label cheese.
