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Seizing global opportunities: U.S. cheesemakers are leading the way

Julien Biolley

Julien Biolley is director of business development and marketing, food and beverage, at Milwaukee-based Novonesis Inc. Biolley has served in the dairy industry in Europe and North America for more than 15 years and is a guest columnist for this week’s Cheese Market News®.

As a seasoned industry professional with decades of experience in the food sector, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of culinary trends, consumer preferences and market dynamics. Through the highs and lows of the industry, one thing has remained constant: the unwavering dedication of U.S. cheesemakers to quality, innovation and excellence. Now, as we stand on the cusp of a new era of global expansion, it’s time for us to harness our collective expertise and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

In recent years, international demand for cheese has surged to unprecedented levels, driven by a combination of factors including the increasing popularity of Western-style fast food, urbanization and evolving consumer preferences. Across continents and cultures, cheese has transcended its status as a mere ingredient to become a symbol of indulgence, sophistication and culinary creativity. And as purveyors of some of the finest cheeses in the world, American cheesemakers are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this global phenomenon, given their unmatched level of optimization in the dairy value chain, driving economies of scale and sustainability.

Recently, my travels took me to Asia, where I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the bustling energy of countries with dense populations like Vietnam, home to over 100 million inhabitants. In these vibrant locales, the infrastructure, culture and cuisine have yet to fully embrace the wonders of cheese and dairy products. However, amidst the bustling streets and bustling markets, I couldn’t help but envision the untapped potential that lies within these burgeoning markets. With strategic investment and innovation, there exists a remarkable opportunity to build a robust value chain for dairy products, transforming these regions into lucrative export markets for the dairy industry. By adapting our approaches to align with the unique needs and preferences of Asian consumers, we can pave the way for a dairy revolution that transcends borders and enriches lives.

But seizing the export opportunity requires more than just ambition — it demands a strategic approach that encompasses innovation, adaptation and collaboration. It’s about recognizing the unique tastes and preferences of consumers in each target market and tailoring our offerings accordingly. From the bustling markets of Asia to the quaint cafes of Europe, each region presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, requiring us to be nimble and responsive in our approach. We cannot think of it as “one type of cheese fits them all.”

At our organization, we understand the complexities of the cheese industry and the challenges that cheesemakers face in today’s competitive landscape. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing cheesemakers with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive in the global market. With a team of technology experts and experienced professionals at our disposal, we offer a wide range of solutions along with the technical services designed to help cheesemakers unlock the full potential of their products and tap into lucrative export markets.

One of the key ways in which we support cheesemakers is through recipe development and optimization. We work hand in hand with cheesemakers to create new recipes that not only satisfy the tastes of consumers but also showcase the unique qualities and flavors of their cheeses while ensuring a high level of productivity, consistency and with sustainability in mind. Whether it’s developing innovative flavors, experimenting with new processing techniques or incorporating innovative ingredients, we’re committed to helping cheesemakers push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cheese.

But our support doesn’t stop there. In addition to recipe development, we also offer expertise in cheese functionality and applications, helping cheesemakers unlock the full potential of their products. Whether it’s optimizing meltability for pizza toppings, enhancing flavor profiles of Cheddars for gourmet sandwiches, or improving texture and consistency, we work closely with cheesemakers to ensure that their cheeses meet the diverse needs of consumers around the world.

Furthermore, we understand that successful export initiatives require more than just great products — they also require a comprehensive understanding of international markets and the right methodology to bring innovations that make a difference. With our global network of collaborators and experts in co-creation processes, we help cheesemakers navigate the complexities of international trade and position themselves for success in new markets.

In conclusion, the opportunity for U.S. cheesemakers to expand their reach through export is one that holds immense promise and potential. With the right support and expertise at their disposal, cheesemakers can unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation, while also satisfying the appetites of consumers around the world. Together, let’s seize this opportunity and pave the way for a future where the delights of cheese know no borders.

CMN

The views expressed by CMN’s guest columnists are their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheese Market News®.

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