Regional Government challenges distribution sector to further invest in local cheeses and the industry to follow new trends
The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Forestry challenged today the cheese distribution sector in Portugal to further invest in local production and the industry to follow new market trends and consumer choice options.
"It is important for the distribution sector to further invest in local production. It is imperative that the industry follows the new market trends and consumer choice options, which are constantly evolving," said João Ponte at the delivery ceremony of the Portuguese Cheese Competition 2017.
In his speech, João Ponte also urged industries to find market niches for local cheeses, to value products and to safeguard producers, "because no sustainable industry can survive without producers."
According to the Regional Secretary, making consumers loyal to national productions is another important challenge for the near future.
"However, we have to take into account the changes on eating habits, especially among young people, the growing competition from generic brands, negative campaigns for consumption of dairy products and the fact that we are operating in a small national market," said João Ponte. He considered that Portugal "continues to import a lot of cheese and does not always value the national production."
Currently, Portugal imports about 51 thousand tonnes of cheese annually. The Azores account for 50% of the cheese produced in the country, that is, 29 thousand tonnes.
For João Ponte, the data clearly demonstrate that there are indeed good opportunities for Azorean cheeses to further conquer the national market.
The Secretary for Agriculture noted that the annual organisation of a cheese contest has been "fundamental for the dissemination of the quality and diversity of Portuguese cheeses." The initiative has stimulated the projection and development of the national cheese industry.
In this context, he added that, next year, the Azores will hold a regional cheese competition with the aim of increasing the awareness of production, promotion and appreciation of local cheese. The initiative also intends to promote the entry of Azorean cheeses into new markets.
"It is widely known that the Azores produce cheeses of excellence. The national and international awards that have distinguished Azorean cheeses are evidence to this," emphasised João Ponte.
The 2017 edition of the Portuguese Cheese Competition featured 193 cheeses in 20 categories; 20 cheeses in competition were produced in the Azores.
The Blue cheese, produced by CALF Faial, won the first prize in the "Regular Aged Cow's Milk Cheese" category, while the Loural cheese, produced Lourais Dairy Cooperative from São Jorge, won in the "São Jorge style Cheese."
The Azorean cheeses were also awarded five honourable mentions.
The Capelinhos cheese, produced by CALF Faial, and Morião cheese, produced by Quinta dos Açores, were distinguished in the "Long Aged Cow's Milk Cheese" category. In turn, the Beira cheese, produced by Uniqueijo, and São Miguel cheese, produced by Unileite, were awarded honourable mentions in the "São Jorge style Cheese" category.
The Vale Formoso cheese - Herbs and Garlic, produced by Insulac, received an honourable mention in the "Spreadable Cheese” category.