From specialityfoodmagazine.com
The popularity of vegan cheese seems to wax and wane all the time. But it's essential to stock it in speciality retail, says Dawn Carr, vice president of vegan corporate projects at PETA
Whether it’s a tangy blue crumbled into a salad, or a Camembert paired with a glass of Champagne, vegan cheese has earned its place in fridges across the UK - and it’s time retailers took full advantage of this innovative category.
Gone are the days of bland, rubbery soy blocks. Today’s vegan cheeses are creamy, crumbly, and crafted with care. From supermarket staples to refined creations rolled in ash or sporting a mouldy rind, the range is as diverse as the customers who seek them out. And with Christmas just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to offer dairy-free delights.
Why dairy-free cheese matters to your customers
Vegan cheese appeals to a growing segment of shoppers who avoid dairy out of concern for animal welfare, the environmental, and personal health. In addition to being suitable for those with dairy sensitivities, vegan cheese contains none of the saturated animal fats linked to conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
With more families than ever navigating dietary restrictions, many will host a guest who avoids dairy this festive season. Offering high-quality vegan cheese means no one is left out of the cheeseboard—and that’s a win for customers and retailers alike.
The rise of artisanal vegan cheese
The plant-based cheese market is thriving. Phenomenal, high-end cheeses from brands like Honestly Tasty, I am Nut OK, Nettle, Jay & Joy, Kinda Co, and Fauxmagerie offer products that rival their dairy counterparts in taste, texture, and presentation.
Award-winning French fine dining establishment Gauthier Soho offers olive oil–marinated vegan Chèvre as part of its cheese course. Purezza’s Camden Cheese Cellar, in collaboration with Fauxmagerie, pairs wines with offerings like roasted vegan Camembert drizzled with bee-free honey. Even London’s oldest wine bar, Gordon’s, now serves a vegan cheese board featuring a semi-soft cashew creation rolled in a flavourful homemade Herbes de Provence crust.
This is not fake dairy, it’s real plant-powered cheese, made using traditional cheese-making methods but starting with milk from nuts instead of from an animal; often using the same moulds found in dairy cheese to achieve that signature tang. Cashews and almonds are ingredients that customers understand, and these cheeses don’t disappoint.
How to market vegan cheese effectively
1. Create a festive vegan cheeseboard display: Showcase a curated selection of vegan cheeses with crackers, chutneys, and wine pairings. Use signage highlighting inclusivity and sustainability benefits.
2. Offer sampling events: Let customers taste the difference. Sampling helps overcome outdated perceptions and encourages impulse buys, especially with holiday promotions.
3. Use clear labelling: Make it easy for shoppers to find plant-based options. Use shelf tags, fridge decals, and signage that clearly identify products as vegan, dairy-free, and suitable for allergy-conscious consumers.
4. Leverage social media and newsletters: Feature vegan cheese in your holiday content. Share recipes, pairing ideas, and customer testimonials to build excitement.
5. Bundle and upsell: Create gift-ready bundles with vegan cheese, wine, and accompaniments. These make excellent gifts and elevate your festive offering.
6. Train staff: Ensure your team knows how to talk about vegan cheese confidently. A knowledgeable recommendation can make all the difference in converting curious shoppers into loyal buyers.
7. Cheese the moment: Christmas is peak cheeseboard season, and whether someone is vegan, dairy intolerant, environmentally minded, or just looking for an exciting, delicious new option – artisanal vegan cheese ticks all the boxes. Your customers will be raving about it until the cashews come home.
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