European Cheese Showcased at Winter Fancy Food Fair in Las Vegas

InLac Showcases European Cheeses at Winter Fancy Food Fair

The Interprofessional Dairy Organization (InLac), with support from the European Union, is currently promoting an exciting campaign titled "Discover the European Cheestories with cheeses from Spain." This initiative aims to highlight the rich diversity and high quality of Spanish cheeses in the U.S. market.

From January 19 to 21, 2025, Las Vegas served as the backdrop for the prestigious Winter Fancy Food Fair, where InLac presented a plethora of cheeses, specifically focusing on their uniqueness and the heritage behind them. Over 13,000 industry professionals from across the globe attended the event, a perfect venue for networking and exploring high-quality food products.

Nuria Maria Arribas, the managing director of InLac, expressed enthusiasm about the positive reception their cheeses received at the fair. The variety of activities, from informative talks to cheese tastings, allowed attendees to appreciate the quality and versatility of Spanish cheeses. She emphasized that participation in trade fairs like this is essential for promoting European cheeses in the U.S. market.

Additionally, InLac is leveraging the Winter Fancy Food Fair to introduce a new online platform designed to enhance business connections between European and Spanish cheese manufacturers and major U.S. importers and distributors. This platform aims to streamline the process of information exchange and order placement, making it easier to promote and export Spanish cheeses. The platform includes a comprehensive guide on the rule compliance necessary for exporting dairy products to the U.S., covering everything from FDA registration to allergen regulations.

The three-year promotional campaign (2023-2025) encompasses outreach activities in key U.S. cities, including New York, San Francisco, Florida, Las Vegas, Miami, and Chicago. The objective is to raise awareness about the benefits of European cheeses, particularly their variety and diversity. In 2023, Spain shipped over 8,700 tons of cheese to the U.S., generating revenues exceeding 105 million euros. This accounted for 13% in terms of value and 7.4% in volume of total cheese exports from Spain, marking it as the third largest foreign market by value and the fourth by volume.

Conclusion

InLac’s participation at the Winter Fancy Food Fair represents a significant step forward in promoting European cheeses in the U.S. market. With the launch of their online platform and various outreach strategies, they are set to revolutionize the connection between producers and importers, ultimately benefitting both sides of the Atlantic. Fans of cheese should stay tuned for more delightful experiences and offerings from European cheese producers in the near future!