The supermarket cheese counter, so long held back by the reluctance of retailers to invest in innovative own-label packs, has seen a marked move towards differentiation and convenience.
Own-label supplier The Cheese Company is now providing at least one major retailer with a range of packs, material and easy-open/reclose devices from Amcor Flexibles.
The initial phase of innovation in cheese, says Amcor sales director for dairy Jim Graham, came around eight years ago with flow-wrapping in parchment-type films. More recently, brands reaped the rewards of slicing and grating products.
"Now everyone wants to get into the pack more easily, too," says Graham. Resealability is key for items such as grated cheese. "If you're a brand, you can build this in to the overall price. So people began asking: if brands can do it, why can't retailers?"
The new packs include the FlexCan stand-up, recloseable pouch for grated cheese, a paper-look tray with peelable lid for sliced cheese and an easy-open option for blocks.