France Encourages Cheese Lovers to Indulge More

Support French Cheesemakers by Eating More Cheese

We’ve been asked to step up to the plate in myriad ways around the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is one request that most people can easily get on board with and that’s to eat more cheese.

Friends dining in the suburban garden of Paris
A French campaign is urging people to eat more traditional cheese at home © lechatnoir via Getty Images

Terre de Lait, a French dairy industry organization, has launched a campaign named “Fromagissons” to assist producers of traditional cheeses, which are currently facing significant challenges. The name “Fromagissons” combines the French word for cheese, fromage, and agissons, meaning “let’s act.” According to Terre de Lait, France boasts over 1200 varieties of cheeses, and the campaign seeks to ensure their survival through this difficult period.

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Traditional food markets are not running at present © Pete Seaward/iBestTravel

This campaign advocates for increased cheese consumption in support of French producers, particularly as most distribution channels—such as markets and restaurants—are currently closed. Many consumers are opting for basic staples, neglecting “pleasure” foods, including the much-loved cheese platter.

Assortment of cheese with honey, nuts and grape on a rustic cutting board wooden background toning
Consumers are foregoing traditional cheese platters during the crisis © Anna_Pustynnikova/Shutterstock

“A significant number of producers and processing companies—especially SMEs and very small businesses—are seeing their situation deteriorate,” the organization states. Furthermore, the dairy sector has been mobilized to tackle substantial challenges and unprecedented paradoxical scenarios. These scenarios involve maintaining an adequate supply of milk, cream, yogurt, and cheese while seeking channels for traditional cheeses to prevent loss.

A selection of French cheeses : Livarot ,Pont-l'eveque and Pave d'auge
France produces over 1200 different types of cheese © PhotoCuisine RF/Alamy Stock Photo

The campaign encourages individuals to purchase traditional cheeses such as Saint-Nectaire, Reblochon, Cantal, and Camembert to enjoy at home. By doing so, you not only savor exquisite flavors but also provide crucial support to French cheesemongers. As COVID-19 has prompted various home-based activities, this initiative poses an enjoyable option we can embrace with delight.

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