Whether it’s used as a snack, an ingredient in a recipe or as a companion item, cheese is popular. Publix is the big cheese when it comes to knowing our customers and offering high-quality products, so it made sense to introduce a formal specialty cheese program as an additional offering of the deli.

“Our customers have heard about specialty cheeses on food networks and blogs, and for Publix to offer these items gives us a competitive advantage,” said Category Manager Mitch Ford. “Not only are our customers interested in exploring new products and trying unique flavors, they also appreciate the stories behind each cheese.”

Publix began its formal specialty cheese program in early 2011. Today, customers can choose from 28 varieties of specialty cheese. About half are manufactured domestically, while imported cheeses are made in France, Italy, Spain and other European countries.

All deli associates receive basic specialty cheese training, but in a few stores, highly trained cheese specialists work exclusively to educate customers about cheese. They encourage customers to overcome their hesitation to purchase a new kind of cheese by offering samples, explaining product attributes and suggesting food and wine pairings.

The most popular specialty cheese is our Publix Deli Mozzarella Balls. Made from cows’ milk using an authentic Italian recipe, this cheese is a great value. It is most popular on pizza, but it also can be layered with fresh tomatoes and basil for a caprese salad, or eaten on its own and paired with a red wine like Chianti.

Say cheese!

Our specialty cheeses are inspired by some of the most beautiful places on earth. Now, customers can experience the elegance when they stop by Publix for the Artisanal Cheese Tasting Event. Two sessions are scheduled: Oct. 11 from 4 – 7 p.m., and Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Two cheeses will be featured at the Special Occasion Event Planning Center. With origins that date back to 5th century Paris, Publix Deli Imported French Brie is the most popular French cheese. It has a soft, creamy texture and sweet flavor with a hint of earthiness.

Customers also can sample Publix Deli Imported Aged Cheddar. This cheese is aged a minimum of 12 months to give it a sharp flavor. The milk comes from cows who live on the Isle of Man, a small island in the Irish Sea between Ireland and England, and the manufacturers have a combined 100 years of cheesemaking experience.

In addition, Aprons Simple Meals will demonstrate the Turkey Cheese Panini (shown above), which calls for imported aged cheddar in the recipe. Select stores will sample wines — such as malbec, cabernet and chardonnay — that complement these featured cheeses. Associates will hand out a wine and cheese pairing brochure as well as recipe cards.

Customers will learn about the Artisanal Cheese Tasting Event in our weekly ad, on Facebook and Twitter, and through in-store POP. Encourage your customers to stop by the deli and the Aprons Simple Meals kiosk to taste the finest cheeses from around the world.