The Cheese Report | February 29, 2024

Howdy Cheese Lovers!

This week, The Cheese Report takes center court as we celebrate the Class A Girls Basketball Tournament in Minot. Get ready for a slam dunk of information about the cheese market, along with a dip recipe that’s guaranteed to be a fan favorite!

West Coast: A Mixed Bag with a Winning Shot

Out West, the cheese scene is a game of two halves. While retail demand varies between stronger and flat, food service is picking up steam, much like a team finding its rhythm. Cheese production is on the rise, fueled by stronger customer needs, and international buyers are showing increased interest. Class III milk availability might be tighter in some areas, but cheesemakers are securing enough to maintain strong to steady production schedules. Inventories for spot buyers might be tight in the short term, but overall, there’s plenty of cheese to go around. Just like a well-balanced team, the market is finding its balance, with cheese barrel prices edging higher than blocks on the CME.

Midwest: Building Momentum, One Cheddar Bite at a Time

Moving eastward, the Midwest cheese market is starting to heat up. While cheddar and other varietal processors might be experiencing a slower pace, some, particularly barrel makers, are seeing a year-over-year improvement. Overall, the market sentiment is shifting towards a more bullish outlook, just like a team building momentum as the game progresses.

Europe: Strong Demand, But Can They Keep Up?

Across the pond, European cheese is a crowd-pleaser, with strong retail demand and a mixed bag for food service. Export markets are thriving, and inquiries from outside the EU are on the rise, much like the excitement of a global tournament. However, there’s a potential challenge on the horizon: cheese stocks are running low, struggling to keep pace with the rising demand. Just like a team needing a strategic timeout, European manufacturers might need to adapt to maintain their winning streak. Milk production is steadily increasing in key regions like Germany and France, offering a glimmer of hope for future cheese production.

The Recipe: MVP Veggie Dip with a Cheddar Crunch

For the Class A Girls Basketball Tournament, we present the MVP Veggie Dip with a Cheddar Crunch. This recipe is a slam dunk for any gathering, offering a refreshing combination of colorful vegetables and a creamy cheddar cheese base. The addition of a crunchy cheddar topping adds the perfect textural contrast, making it a true champion of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheddar Crunch:

• 1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
2. Stir in red onion, green bell pepper, celery, and dill weed.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a small bowl, combine ingredients for the Cheddar Crunch.
5. Spread the veggie dip in a serving dish and sprinkle generously with the Cheddar Crunch.
6. Serve with your favorite dippers, like crudités or pita bread.

Remember, cheese lovers: Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or simply enjoying a cheese board with friends, remember, the love for cheese is always a winning play. So grab your favorite cheese, savor the flavors, and create memories that will last a lifetime!