“Three newer cheeses did great for us this year. We were excited to see Flora, a new cheese from Capriole. It’s a delicate, small-format cheese and fairly affordable for how delicious it is. We also love Flory’s Truckle. It’s not new but this is the first year we’ve carried it, and our mongers and customers are huge fans. I ordered Tomme Brulée on a whim, and it has been a huge hit at our bar. Because it’s the same size as Tête de Moine, we decided to try it on the girolle. The cheese came to life! It’s sheepy in all the right ways, and the torched rind adds a toasty note. The cheese is really good as is but spectacular off the girolle.”

Kate Leeder, Aperitivo

Grand Rapids, MI

“This was the Year of Feta for us. Essex Street Feta became a top-moving item after being introduced in 2016. Flavored cheeses also performed well. Meredith Dairy’s Marinated Goat Cheese was a big hit at both of our markets and Quicke’s Elderflower Cheddar was an unexpected hit.”

Jon Fancey, Bi-Rite Market

San Francisco

"We’re in love with Foxglove from Tulip Tree Creamery. It’s everything we want in a stinker: a velvety mouthfeel and funky aroma but with savory notes of ham and grass. And then it just glides into the finish of silk and cream. Our customers are asking for it by name."

Louise Kennedy Converse, Artisan Cheese Company

Sarasota, FL