Easter is nearly here, and the cheese case is getting ready to play a vital role in consumers’ holiday plans from the traditional cheeseboard to delicious recipes and delectable desserts. To get a look at the merchandising opportunities in store for retailers, I recently tapped the expertise of Elle Williams, Director of Sales and Brand Development for Carr Valley Cheese.
Lots of opportunities are arising in the cheese case this season! What products should retailers be spotlighting in the lead-up to Easter? Why is now a good time to promote these offerings?
Easter is a time for celebration, gatherings, and indulgent flavors, making it the perfect opportunity to highlight some of Carr Valley’s most unique and festive cheeses. Sante, our elegant open air aged sheep milk cheese, brings a rich, nutty complexity that pairs beautifully with spring-inspired spreads and charcuterie boards. Boozin’ Ewe and Boozin’ Billy, our port wine-soaked sheep and goat milk cheeses, offer a vibrant, eye-catching look and a subtly sweet, tangy flavor that make them stand out for holiday entertaining. For a creamy, crowd-pleasing option, our Late Harvest Wine Cold Pack Spread blends the sweet, fruity notes of late-harvest wine with the richness of aged cheese, making it a perfect addition to Easter brunch boards or a simple yet sophisticated appetizer. And for a truly special treat, our Chocolate Cheese Fudge offers a fun, unexpected way to indulge—blending the creamy texture of cheese with the decadence of chocolate for a delightful Easter dessert option.
Now is the perfect time to promote these offerings as customers plan for holiday gatherings and look for distinctive cheeses to elevate their tables. These cheeses provide both tradition and novelty—ideal for gifting, entertaining, or just indulging in something special for the season.
How does Easter contribute to demand in the specialty cheese case?
Easter brings families and friends together, creating a surge in demand for premium cheeses that enhance holiday meals, brunches, and dessert spreads. Shoppers are looking for artisanal, high-quality cheeses that feel celebratory, whether for a beautiful grazing board, a showstopping dinner, or a unique host gift. Specialty cheeses with unique flavors, striking visuals, and seasonal appeal—like our Port wine cheeses or Chocolate Cheese Fudge—become must-haves for customers who want something extra special on their holiday menus.
Do you have any merchandising tips for retailers to maximize sales leading up to Easter?
Absolutely! Retailers can drive impulse purchases by creating eye-catching Easter-themed displays and cross-merchandising with complementary products. Boozin’ Ewe and Boozin’ Billy pair beautifully with port wine, sweet reds, or dessert wines, making them a great addition to a cheese and wine display. For brunch inspiration, Sante can be placed alongside fresh baguettes, honey, dried fruits, and nuts to encourage customers to build a spring-inspired cheese board. A sweet and savory section featuring Chocolate Cheese Fudge with strawberries, candied nuts, and gourmet crackers makes for a decadent Easter dessert option. Retailers can also create grab-and-go selections with cheese pairings and small gift boxes for easy Easter host gifts. And for effortless entertaining, placing Late Harvest Wine Cold Pack Spread near crackers, fresh fruit, and cured meats makes it a simple yet sophisticated choice for holiday gatherings. By strategically placing these cheeses in high-traffic areas and suggesting pairing ideas, retailers can increase basket sizes and encourage seasonal purchases.
Looking beyond Easter, what other exciting merchandising opportunities lie on the horizon?
Spring and summer entertaining provide ongoing opportunities to highlight cheeses that are perfect for pairing, gifting, and warm-weather snacking. Our fresh, bright, and tangy cheeses—like our port wine-infused varieties and Sante—are fantastic for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and wine tastings.
Additionally, grilling season is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to introduce customers to our Bread Cheese® line, which crisps up beautifully on the grill and is an easy crowd-pleaser.
As always, we appreciate the opportunity to share our cheeses with customers and celebrate the seasons with creative, high-quality offerings!
Carr Valley’s impressive portfolio of specialty cheeses is the result of its rich cheesemaking heritage, innovative spirit, and commitment to quality. With over 140 years of tradition, the supplier continues to push boundaries with creative, award-winning cheeses while staying true to time-honored methods. Bringing a wide range of both classic, cave-aged cheeses and unexpected varieties like Boozin’ Billy and Chocolate Cheese Fudge, this cheesemaker has a product to appeal to every consumer.
Make the most of your Easter merchandising plans with the help of this top-quality lineup!
