The demand for Spanish and Latin American cheeses in the American market is on the rise as consumers continue to explore new flavors and expand their taste preferences. Saputo USA, a leading cheese manufacturer, has recently introduced a packaging refresh for its El Cortijo line of Latin American cheeses to meet this growing demand. Philip Forbes-Pryer, the director of category management for imported cheese at Saputo USA, highlighted the key features of the new packaging upgrade.

The new packaging design for the El Cortijo line focuses on creating a consistent look and feel across all SKUs to bring uniformity to the product portfolio. Additionally, the packaging now includes color-coded SKUs to differentiate between flavors and product types, making it easier for consumers to identify their preferred cheese options. The new packaging also features clearer callouts to indicate the cheese age, helping consumers make informed choices. Enhanced imagery and illustrations that pay homage to Spanish heritage have also been incorporated into the packaging design to create a visually appealing and culturally authentic product presentation.

In addition to the packaging refresh, Saputo USA has introduced two new flavors to the El Cortijo line: Dorado and Sheep Cheese with Olive Oil. Dorado is a unique blend of sheep and cow’s milk, crafted with exclusive lactic cultures and matured for over six months to develop a sweet, complex flavor profile and a smooth texture. Forbes-Pryer describes Dorado as a delightful offering for those who enjoy blended milk cheeses. The Sheep Cheese with Olive Oil variant is made from fresh milk sourced from the regions of Castilla La Mancha and the Mounts of Toledo, known for their rich and characteristic flavors. This cheese is then delicately coated in olive oil, creating an exquisite delicacy for the palate.

Forbes-Pryer also highlighted the increasing demand for Spanish cheeses in the market, citing data from the Interprofessional Dairy Organization that projects a 5.8% growth in Spanish cheese revenues by 2024. This growth is not surprising, given the numerous positive attributes of Spanish and Latin American cheeses. Forbes-Pryer explained that Spanish cheeses are renowned for their diversity in flavors, textures, and production methods, which are influenced by the country’s varied landscapes, climates, culinary traditions, and cheese-making heritage. Consumers appreciate the unique characteristics of Spanish cheeses and their versatility, making them ideal for a wide range of culinary applications such as charcuterie and cheese boards, sandwiches, salads, and toppings.

In conclusion, Saputo USA’s packaging refresh and new flavor introductions for the El Cortijo line of Latin American cheeses reflect the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving tastes and preferences of American consumers. The updated packaging design, along with the addition of innovative flavors, aims to enhance the consumer experience and showcase the rich heritage and quality of Spanish and Latin American cheeses. With the growing popularity of Spanish cheeses in the market, Saputo USA is well-positioned to cater to the increasing demand for these authentic and flavorful cheese options.