Whole Foods, Wegmans push cheese for the holidays

With holiday entertaining top of mind for many consumers, retailers like Whole Foods Market and Wegmans have launched efforts to get customers thinking about cheese.

From Dec. 13-24, Whole Foods plans to promote 12 Days of Cheese by offering 50% off a different artisan cheese each day. The single-source cheeses range from a Vermont-made goat cheese to Camembert from Normandy.

“Whether folks are putting together an elegant cheese board, hosting a brunch, or craving a nibble while curling up with a good book, these 12 selections will make delicious additions to any holiday tradition,” Cathy Strange, Whole Foods’ global cheese buyer, said in a press release. “We’re thrilled to offer these exciting cheeses at a great value, so customers can enjoy these special items while stretching their dollar.”

Wegmans is encouraging shoppers to get in the holiday spirit with creamy cheese made in the retailer’s cheese caves. Varieties include Mild, Medium and Intense Brie; Medium and Intense Camembert; Mild Triple Crème and Mild Crémeux de Bourgogne.

Photo: Wegmans

“The mild, medium and intense designations on our labels help our customers quickly and easily understand what to expect from each cheese,” Wegmans’ new Cheese Cave Affineur Mathieu Callol said in a release. “Our Mild Brie is a great introduction to soft cheeses, with a buttery flavor that offers a hint of sweetness. And the Medium Brie has buttery, mellow notes, while our Intense Brie offers deeper, richer, mushroomy flavors.”

The retailer provides tips on wine pairings and creating a cheese board, or customers can purchase a premade cheese tray.

This month, Kroger Co. opened its 350th Murray’s Cheese shop within one of its stores in Bloomington, Ind. Customers can preorder cheese party platters online for pick-up at any in-store Murray’s Cheese.

“Our customers are excited about the opportunity to buy the unique offerings of Murray’s Cheese right in our store,” Robert Clark, Kroger’s SVP of merchandising, said in a release. “We continue to see high demand and great buzz in new communities as the shops come to town.”