When it comes to product innovation, you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, you just need to give it a little makeover. Take it from Belle Chevre, which took the classic chèvre log concept and turned it on its head, putting the beloved cheese product in a cup format to minimize waste. Pierre Guérin, Co-Owner and President, gave me the rundown.
“Our fresh goat cheese sold in a resealable cup has always offered the same organoleptic qualities of a high-quality goat cheese log,” he tells me. “Made with the same simple ingredients used to produce goat cheese logs, our chèvre is comparable in taste, texture, and usage to a traditional fresh chèvre log but with the benefit of no mess which occurs when opening the flimsy film that logs are packaged in. Plus, there is no waste since our cups are resealable.”
For over 30 years, the cheesemaker has been working to make goat cheese more versatile and accessible. Over time, the company’s research indicated that goat cheese lovers have come to expect the spreadable yet somewhat crumbly texture of the ubiquitous goat cheese log but are often frustrated by the plastic, vacuum-sealed film in which it’s enveloped. During focus groups with goat cheese lovers, it was clear they were looking for updated packaging while not compromising on product quality.
To make this change was simple, as the Belle Chevre simply changed the extruder head of its machine, filling a cup instead of forming a log. And voilá, a new product was born that has been quickly getting consumer attention.
Retailers can capitalize on this demand and Belle Chevre’s unique packaging to draw attention to its log in a cup concept.
“Placing Belle Chevre’s spreadable goat cheeses in the specialty cheese case, next to the traditional logs, along with signage indicating ‘great chèvre taste but no mess, less waste’ will encourage consumers to try it,” explains Pierre. “Belle Chevre’s log in a cup products are mild yet distinct in taste and texture, reflecting the care with which they are made for the contemporary cheese lover. Our cheese can be spread on a bagel, a pretzel, or a cracker and crumbled for salad, pizza, or even soup, with the award-winning Fig a perfect flavor for the holiday season.”
Next year, Belle Chevre plans on adding new flavors to its current lineup of 6 oz cups, which includes Original, Honey, and Fig.
Give your shoppers an easy, waste-free way to incorporate fresh chèvre into their holiday spreads with Belle Chevre’s log in a cup offerings.
