Holidays are fast approaching, and consumers are always on the lookout for the perfect gift to give to their loved ones—a little “roqueffort” if you will. And while the current pandemic and restrictions have made interactions a little difficult, Whisps wants consumers to remember that a little cheese can go a long way. The cheese crisp company is shaking up the industry as it launched its custom edible sculptures campaign, Whisps Holiday Cheese Carvings.
“Whisps has deep roots in the artisanal cheese industry; all of our cheeses are made by expert cheesemakers in Wisconsin—arguably the cheese capital of the United States,” Katie Nahoum, Senior Vice President of Marketing, tells me of the origin story. “Our team saw cheese carvings at various cheese award shows and fairs and thought, ‘How cool would it be if we could offer these to our customers?’”
Thus, the campaign was born, and consumers are cheesin’ over it, literally. The custom carvings are made by an award-winning cheese carver using 100 percent Cheddar cheese. Curious cheese collectors simply upload a hi-res image of their choosing to the company’s site or choose from three non-custom carvings. Either way, I know consumers would be a little “scent-emmental” when they receive an edible carving.
“We like to say we are ‘made by cheese people for cheese people’ as we truly approach every product we make with the highest standards and artisanal approach,” Katie informs me. “From copper kettle Parmesan to our exclusive Cheddar in our Whisps Cheese Crisps to partnering with premier cheese carvers, this program is another way to bring our brand story to life in a fun way for our consumers.”
Each custom carving retails for $200. Non-custom carvings can be purchased for $49.99, and consumers can choose from: a 90s-inspired flip phone, because nostalgia is always trending; a mini cheese grater, the perfect centerpiece for any charcuterie board; or a dollar bill, because everybody could always use some more Cheddar.
The custom carvings each clock in between 3–4 lb and are approximately 6.75” x 3” x 2.5”. For those that like to savor the moment, the carvings will “stay gouda” for up to two weeks when refrigerated.
What a “grate” holiday strategy to give some Cheddar and get some Cheddar. Find out what our industry cooks up next with Deli Market News.
