European Cheeses Showcase Quality and Versatility at NRA Fair Chicago

Discover the Wonders of European Cheeses at the NRA Fair

From May 17 to 20, 2025, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Fair took place in Chicago, celebrating its significance as a premier event for the food and restaurant industry in the United States. This year, the spotlight was on European cheeses, particularly those from Spain, thanks to a promotional campaign titled "Discover the European Cheestories with cheeses from Spain" initiated by the Interprofessional Dairy Organization (InLac) with backing from the European Union.

The Importance of the NRA Fair

The NRA fair is recognized as a leading forum where industry professionals gather to explore the latest innovations in food products, services, and technologies. It attracts exhibitors and attendees ranging from chefs to buyers, making it an essential gathering for networking and idea exchange. InLac emphasized the value of such events as a critical platform for promoting dairy sectors and fostering international relationships.

A Taste of Spain

At this year's fair, attendees had the opportunity to sample a selection of ten illustrious cheeses hailing from Spain. With the assistance of master cheesemaker Erin T. Connolly, InLac showcased a variety of cheeses including PDO Arzúa-Ulloa, PDO Idiazabal, and the renowned Queso Manchego. Each cheese possesses unique characteristics that highlight the rich dairy heritage of Spain, appealing to the sophisticated palates of fair-goers and offering a glimpse into its culinary versatility.

InLac's managing director, Nuria Maria Arribas, expressed immense satisfaction regarding the reception of these cheeses, stating, "This event is paramount for highlighting the uniqueness, quality, and adaptability of our products, paving the way for their international expansion."

Continued Commitment to Promotion

The participation of InLac in notable fairs like NRA forms a cornerstone of the three-year-long promotional campaign, which began in March 2023 and will run through February 2026. Over this period, the initiative aims to increase awareness of the benefits and variety of European cheeses in key markets such as the US, which represents a significant proportion of cheese exports outside the EU.

As part of this campaign, various activities have been scheduled in major cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Chicago, driving consumer engagement and educating the public on the diverse flavors present in European cheeses. Data from earlier in 2024 indicates significant growth in cheese exports from Spain, with a reported increase in volume of nearly 7% and an impressive rise in value reaching over 839 million euros.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, InLac plans to continue its impactful presence at trade shows such as the Good Food Mercantile and Fancy Food events, strategically targeting markets that hold potential for growth. The involvement in the NRA Fair reinforces the importance placed on fostering relationships and innovation within the food sector.

Final Thoughts

The NRA Fair serves as a vital avenue for promoting European cheeses, showcasing their distinct qualities and exploring their myriad uses in culinary applications. With continued dedication to elevating Spanish cheeses in markets like the US, InLac is poised to strengthen cultural ties through the shared love of quality dairy products, reminding attendees that there’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be discovered.