Pictured is Padraig Brennan, Bord Bia's Director of Markets with Sarah Furno of Cashel Blue Cheese
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, today salutes the success of The Little Milk Company and Cashel Farmhouse Cheese in taking top honours at France’s premier cheese and dairy products event, the "Salon du Fromage" in Paris.
The two artisan cheese makers won the "Coup de Coeur" prize which was awarded to eight exceptional cheeses, following a blind tasting test by a jury of nine chefs and cheese mongers. The winners were selected from a total of 72 entries from 30 producers.
The “Salon” trade event runs from February 28th - March 2nd and showcases 190 artisan dairy producers from 12 countries. Over 6,000 buyers and visitors, primarily French, will attend the event over the four days. In addition to providing market insight and logistical support, Bord Bia has arranged meetings with buyers for the seven Irish companies (listed below) participating at the event. All exhibitors are situated on the Ireland - Origin Green stand and this evening, Bord Bia will also host a trade reception on the stand for up to 100 guests to further develop relations between the Irish cheese makers and French buyers.
Increasing French appetite for foreign cheese
Ireland has the second largest non-French presence at the show and according to Noreen Lanigan, Bord Bia Manager for France and Belgium, there has never been a better time to introduce French buyers to Irish farmhouse cheese
“French cheesemongers now stock on average 16 foreign cheeses from their total selection of 130, representing around 10% of their turnover. According to new trade research*, over 30% of cheese shops intend to increase their range of imported cheese. This is already translating into a significant increase in Irish artisan cheese imports to France, which have trebled since our presence at the Salon two years ago and now amount to approx. 18 tonnes per year”.
Ms. Lanigan added “Salon du Fromage is the ideal opportunity to introduce new products to buyers and this year, Cashel Blue Organic, Garlic Oil flavoured Goats Cheese from Knockdrinna, and Irish Organic Cream Cheese from The Little Milk Company, will be launched for the first time at the show.”