The fall season has arrived here in the Northern Hemisphere, and along with it come comforting recipes and eye-catching displays in-store. To get some insights on how the buy-side can maximize specialty cheese sales this season, I got in touch with Roseanne Crave, Sales and Marketing Manager at Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese.
“Retailers and foodservice operators should align their specialty cheese offerings with fall trends and flavors to maximize appeal,” she began. “Crave Brothers’ Mascarpone is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for seasonal recipes. On the sweet side, its natural creaminess pairs wonderfully with pumpkin, inspiring delicious fall creations like Pumpkin Mascarpone Brownies or Pumpkin Mascarpone Parfaits. Incorporating seasonal nuts or cookies can elevate these dishes even further.”
Crave Brothers’ Chocolate Mascarpone in particular is an excellent addition to retail and foodservice offerings for the fall and holiday season. The rich, creamy treat can inspire a variety of delicious seasonal recipes, from decadent desserts to unique cheese boards.
“Be sure to ask your distributor for a sample—it’s a fantastic way to experience its versatility firsthand!” Roseanne said. “Consider pairing Chocolate Mascarpone with seasonal fruits, baked goods, or even as a filling for holiday pastries. Highlighting this unique product can enhance your offerings and attract customers looking for something special during the festive season.”
Roseanne went on to note that retailers can engage creative shoppers with fun ideas for Halloween gatherings this month. Cheese boards are a favorite for holiday events, and Crave Brothers’ Fresh Mozzarella balls are perfect for adding a festive touch.
“By featuring everyday cheese board items, you can enhance the experience with playful elements—like adding Fresh Mozzarella skewers with green olives to create ‘eyeball’ treats. This approach not only showcases the versatility of these cheeses but also encourages customers to experiment with their fall entertaining,” Roseanne told me.
On the retail side specifically, Roseanne added that cross-merchandising during the holiday season can be a delightful and effective strategy. It’s essential to stay attuned to product uses and trending recipe ideas—especially on platforms like TikTok.
“Consumers, myself included, appreciate when shopping is made easier and more enjoyable. Sampling can spark creativity and lead to exciting cross-merchandising ideas for your team,” she continued. “Incorporating features like QR codes that link to trendy recipes or providing all the necessary ingredients in one display can encourage shoppers to add items to their carts. Additionally, reaching out to producers for their insights can uncover fresh ideas and seasonal inspirations. You never know what exciting new products or concepts they might suggest! Engaging in these strategies not only enhances the shopping experience but also fosters creativity and excitement around holiday cooking and entertaining.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Be sure to follow along with us for more seasonal updates.
