Mold cheese, also known as blue cheese or bleu cheese, is a type of cheese that has been inoculated with mold spores, typically of the Penicillium genus. The mold grows throughout the cheese during the aging process, creating characteristic blue or green veins and imparting a distinct, pungent flavor.
The production of mold cheese typically involves the same steps as other types of cheese, including curdling the milk, separating the curds and whey, and shaping and aging the cheese. However, during the aging process, mold spores are introduced into the cheese by piercing the surface with needles or injecting a solution of mold spores into the cheese.
Common varieties of mold cheese include Roquefort, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Danish Blue. These cheeses are often crumbled or sliced and used as toppings for salads, burgers, and other dishes, or served on a cheese board with crackers and fruit.
Mold cheese is known for its strong and distinctive flavor, which can range from mild and nutty to sharp and tangy, depending on the variety and age of the cheese. It is also high in fat and calories, making it a rich and indulgent treat.
The market scope for mold cheese is significant, as it is a popular type of cheese that is consumed around the world.
The global market for blue cheese, which is a type of mold cheese, is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% during the forecast period of 2021-2026, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets. The report attributes this growth to factors such as the increasing demand for gourmet and artisanal cheese, the rising popularity of cheese-based snacks and appetizers, and the growing awareness of the health benefits of mold cheese, such as its probiotic properties.
North America is currently the largest market for mold cheese, accounting for a significant share of the global market. However, the market is also growing in other regions, such as Europe and Asia-Pacific, where the consumption of cheese is increasing due to factors such as urbanization, changing dietary habits, and increasing disposable incomes.
Some of the key players in the global mold cheese market include companies such as Arla Foods, Groupe Lactalis, Saputo Inc., and Fonterra Co-operative Group, among others. These companies are involved in the production, distribution, and sale of various types of mold cheese, and they operate in different regions of the world, catering to different market segments, including retail, food service, and industrial customers.
The major players in the Market for Mould cheese are as follows:
1. Arla Foods
2. Groupe Lactalis
3. Bel Group
4. Saputo Inc.
5. Fonterra Co-operative Group
6. Kraft Heinz Company
7. Murray's Cheese
8. Rogue Creamery
9. Société des Caves
10. Emmi AG
Commercial production of mold cheese typically involves the following steps:
· Milk is heated and mixed with a starter culture of bacteria, which helps to acidify the milk and develop the flavor of the cheese.
· Rennet is added to the milk to cause it to coagulate and form curds.
· The curds are cut and then drained of whey, which is the liquid part of the milk.
· The curds are then transferred to molds and allowed to settle and form a solid block.
· The cheese is then pierced with needles or injected with a solution of mold spores, which grow throughout the cheese during the aging process.
· The cheese is then aged in a cool, humid environment, typically for several weeks or months, depending on the desired flavor and texture.
Throughout the production process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the cheese meets the required standards for texture, flavor, and safety. Large-scale equipment is used to heat and process the milk, cut and shape the curds, and age the cheese, and the process may be automated to some extent.
After production, the cheese is typically packaged and distributed to retailers, food service providers, and other customers in the food industry. Some producers also offer customized products and services, such as private labeling, to cater to specific customer needs.