New research shows that British people prefer their own cheeses over French or Italian. The results also showed a 65% of consumers would choose to buy home-made produce first to support the country’s farmers.
The findings are from the Stilton Cheese Makers Association (SCMA), which represents the UK’s Stilton® producers and highlight the importance of cheese as a staple ingredient, with 72% of Brits considering it an essential item, compared to 25% who think it is a special treat.
During the coronavirus crisis, sales of Stilton® dropped by up to 30%, so the trade body is urging consumers to continue buying British cheeses to support the industry and to prevent producers fro going out of business.
Stilton® is a unique British cheese which is rich and versatile, livening up mealtimes whether it is on a cheeseboard or in everyday dishes, helping consumers create inspiring recipes and support British dairy farmers.
Commenting on the findings, Robin Skailes, Chairman of the SCMA said: “With Covid-19 effectively shutting down the UK’s hospitality industry sales of cheeses like Stilton have fallen, so we are extremely grateful to consumers who are supporting British food producers like cheesemakers and the farms which supply them.
Cheese is an essential part of the nation’s eating and cooking habits, and we are keen to make sure our cheese-making heritage is maintained for many years to come.”
When you think of blue cheeses, it’s tough to think of anything but Stilton®.
Daniel Defoe, the famed author, was the first person to write about it back in the 18th century and today it holds the distinction of being the only cheese with a certified trademark to protect its British heritage. And, just like Champagne, it has been awarded the protected designation of origin status.
To learn more about Stilton, visit the SCMA’s website www.stiltoncheese.co.uk.
*Research conducted by Consumer Intelligence among 1053 consumers, 15-18 May 2020.
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