For Cheesemongers: Selling a Specialty Foods Cheese Board
We all know the baseline components of a full cheese board are: something old, something new, something goat, something blue. And take it as read that the ‘goat’ on that cheese board might also be a blend, a sheep’s milk, a buffalo or even a camel based cheese. But most cheese boards are not not so grand. Which doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of opportunity for cross selling even on the more focused cheese boards of our customers’ dreams.
Every cheese board needs a ‘bread’ base. Usually, a very plain bread is recommended– like a baguette. But not all cheeses are at their best against a plain, wheaten character. With young rich cheeses, you could surprise and delight your customer with the recommendation of a ginger biscuit, or an almond cracker. Bright tropical flavors, and lighter nuts go best with gooey, rich, young cheeses. For the blues, think of darker breads– whole wheat, pumpernickel, or walnut biscuits all work a treat. For aged cheeses, you can indeed use a plainer cracker or bread. This is where that baguette does its best work– or a water cracker if you prefer.
Cheese boards are enriched by fruit: dried, fresh, or prepared goods all make a welcome statement. Again, tropicals contrast nicely with more unctuous cheeses. Dark fruits, like dates, plums/prunes, figs and the like are complementary to the aged cheeses. ‘Goat’ type cheeses will benefit from mid-colored fruits: quince, cherries, apples, pears all go down a treat. Blue cheeses work well with grapes and raisins.
Nuts round out a cheese board. Cashews and almonds for young cheeses, walnuts for blues, peanuts and pecans for aged cheeses, and exotics like pine nuts, macadamias and brazil nuts show off the goat varietals.
Conduct staff tastings, and teach your counter people what you have that works with whatever piece of premium cheese they may sell. Some of your customers don’t need a helping hand, but many of them will get more satisfaction (and your shop will see more repeat business) if you and your staff are ready to lend a knowledgeable hand in assembling a premium, artisanal cheese board.