Masters of Merchandising: Mifroma

CHEESE FROM SWITZERLAND

DISPLAY IDEAS

Displays should include a full assortment of Switzerland cheeses, ranging from the best AOPs, classic Swiss and specialty cheeses. This includes, but is not limited to Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Appenzeller, Tête de Moine AOP, Fondue and Raclette. Signage should be placed highlighting the attributes of each cheese along with pairing and recipe suggestions and passive sampling should be available so customers can try before they buy.

SIGNAGE SHOULD INCLUDE

  • Product of Switzerland
  • Grass-fed cows
  • rBST free milk
  • Raw or pasteurized milk
  • Brief tasting notes
  • QR code with pairing and recipe suggestions
  • Images of product usage/recipes are helpful in guiding consumers to purchase. Mifroma is happy to create and provide POS materials by request.

SEASONAL ITEMS

  • Truffle fondue
  • Flavored raclette slices (chili pepper, smoked and truffle)
  • Tête de Moine rosettes
  • Specialty cheeses such as Blumenkäse (spring), Alpenhorn (spring) and Le Brigand du Jorat (Arbor Day/Q4)

KEY SELLING POINTS

  • Utilize recipe suggestions to increase buying occasions.
  • Lean on AOP designations that guarantee product authenticity and quality.
  • When cutting product in-store, the size of the cheese should allow for a retail under$10 per unit.
  • Promotions should be offered quarterly at a minimum of 50 cents off per pound on the full range of Switzerland cheeses. The increase in shelf tags will bring attention to the products.

SHELF-LIFE RECOMMENDATIONS

As long as the integrity of the product has not been compromised, it will be good to consume through the best by date listed on the package.

DISPLAY CARE AND HANDLING

Product must be refrigerated upon delivery. Do not overfill the display case which could block the air flow.

CROSS-MERCHANDISING OPPORTUNITIES

  • Switzerland cheeses are best cross-merchandised with fruit spreads, crackers and fresh fruits.
  • You can also display kitchen-wares such as cheese knives, fondue pots or raclette grill pans.
  • For cheeses such as Gruyère AOP, out-of-refrigeration displays can be placed in the produce department or outside the specialty cheese case.
  • Raclette slices can be cross-merchandised in the meat department next to fresh beef patties, as Raclette is a great melting cheese and pairs well with barbecued meats.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL-EVENT IDEAS

  • Highlight Swiss National Day, Aug. 1, making a big splash and display of products from Switzerland throughout the store.
  • Create in-store cheese boards offering an assortment of cheeses, which can even be themed by country. A Switzerland cheese board would include Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, Tête de Moine Rosettes and Blumenkäse or other specialty Swiss cheeses.
  • Utilizing a rosomat (electric girolle), stores can offer fresh shaved Tête de Moine Rosettes, along with demonstrations on how to create the cheese flowers. The flowers can also be filled with jam, offering a unique way to pair and serve.

QUICK TIPS

  1. Merchandise all Switzerland cheeses together.
  1. Rotate product on a first in, first out schedule.
  1. Incorporate key selling points and recipes in displays.
  1. Product that is close to best by date can be used for passive sampling.

MIFROMA
500 Summer St., Suite 202 Stamford, CT 06901
P: 201-264-1638
isabelle.schilt@mifroma.com • www.mifroma.com

Awards

Masters of Merchandising: Mifroma

CHEESE FROM SWITZERLAND DISPLAY IDEAS Displays should include a full assortment of Switzerland cheeses, ranging from the best AOPs, classic Swiss and specialty cheeses. This includes, but is not limited to Gruyère AOP, Emmentaler AOP, […]

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER!

Sign up to get the latest news in retail deli, including prepared foods, foodservice and specialty cheese markets from Deli Business Magazine...

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.