The Winter Fancy Food Show is only a month away, and my mind is abuzz with the innovative suppliers who continuously bring top-notch products to the spotlight. With an expanded portfolio and new logo and packaging sparking its next phase of growth, I had to get in touch with Marin French Cheese Co.’s Marketing Director Manon Servouse to discuss the company’s successful strategies.
“Our new logo and packaging make our products stand out on shelves with new, more visible, easy-to-read labels and colors specific to each flavor,” Manon points out. “The rebrand reaffirms Marin French Cheese Co. as the country’s oldest cheese company, rooted in a tradition of artisan, French-style cheesemaking in the unique terroir of Northern California.”
As Manon tells me, the striking new look is a result of comprehensive research that reflected a need to boost brand visibility.
“The decision to rebrand came about because consumer research showed low brand awareness,” Manon explains. “Many thought that Marin French was a descriptor of cheese style and not our company name.”
Ramping up its blueprint for growth, the cheesemaker also expanded its beloved portfolio in August with the introduction of Golden Gate, the first product in a new line of premium cheeses. Golden Gate is a small-batch, washed-rind, triple crème cheese named for its color as well as the Golden Gate Bridge that is the gateway to Marin County where the supplier’s creamery is located. The premium offering requires additional training with personal attention from the cheesemaking team to produce.
All of the cheese maven’s unique cheeses are made in the same location in West Marin where the Thompson family founded the company in 1865 and began crafting high-quality, soft-ripened cheeses using French techniques.
“We honor this heritage by continuing to make our cheeses in small batches with the highest quality milk from Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey cows pastured at local North Bay dairies near the creamery,” Manon notes. “The unique cultures naturally present in California’s coastal air result in artisan cheeses with a true sense of place.”
With a wide-spanning portfolio that includes a Petite line that is the perfect size for snacking, 8 and 16 oz wheels, as well as specialties like Suprême and seasonal items like Brie en Croute, the supplier is gearing up to showcase its new brand identity and broadened portfolio at this year’s Winter Fancy Food Show.
“I’m eager to connect with our customers and community of artisan cheesemakers in person,” Manon says. “It will be the first opportunity to show off our rebrand and provide background on our products while offering samples. I’m also looking forward to walking the aisles, meeting people, tasting new products, and discovering new trends.”
As the Winter Fancy Food Show quickly approaches, we will continue to report. For the latest in the dairy and specialty sectors, keep clicking on Deli Market News.
