Imagine the luxury of dining out, now available right in your very own kitchen. Kraft Natural Cheese has recently introduced their new line of restaurant-style thick cut cheese, Signature Shreds, promising to take your home-cooked meals to gourmet levels. This collection boasts of “ultimate recipe versatility” with three debut offerings: Cheddar Blend, Mozzarella Blend, and Mexican Blend – all conveniently packaged in 8oz reusable bags. This innovative product marks the first step in Kraft Natural Cheese’s journey of culinary evolution since its acquisition by Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy producer, from Kraft Heinz for a whopping $3.2 billion in 2021.
Elena Umanskaya, VP Marketing of Lactalis Heritage Dairy, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA, shared insights into the development process of Signature Shreds. She revealed that the cheese underwent a proprietary processing to achieve a unique meltier and stretchier texture, setting it apart from traditional shredded cheeses. Umanskaya emphasized that Kraft Natural Cheese, with its impressive 96% brand awareness in the U.S., aims to cater to the evolving needs of consumers by providing a special range of cheese that combines the brand’s legacy with Lactalis’s manufacturing expertise.
The research and development journey for these thick cut shredded cheeses began post Lactalis’s acquisition, taking approximately two years to perfect the formulation with a blend of high-quality ingredients. Umanskaya highlighted how Signature Shreds was tailor-made for home chefs, tapping into the surge of interest in at-home cooking that peaked at 88% among U.S. consumers during the pandemic. With the consumption rate of cheese per capita on the rise and a growing preference for at-home dining experiences, Kraft Natural Cheese is poised to meet the demand for gooey varieties suitable for various culinary creations.
In an era where dairy alternatives are gaining prominence, traditional dairy players like Kraft Natural Cheese are navigating an evolving landscape. While plant-based cheese experienced a surge in dollar sales between 2019-2023, recent data reveals a decline in pound sales due to significant price hikes. Dairy-free milk, on the other hand, witnessed robust growth in the foodservice sector. Despite the rise of dairy alternatives, big players such as Lactalis remain steadfast in their commitment to traditional dairy products. Embracing the ethos that dairy is quintessential for human well-being, Lactalis Heritage Dairy continues to champion the traditional dairy market while introducing innovative products like Signature Shreds to captivate consumer interest.
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Kraft Natural Cheese’s foray into gourmet home cooking with Signature Shreds heralds a new era for at-home dining experiences. With a focus on quality, versatility, and consumer preferences, this innovative range is poised to elevate the art of cooking and redefine the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of gourmet cooking. As consumers embark on a culinary journey within their homes, Kraft Natural Cheese stands poised to be their trusted partner in crafting delectable and extraordinary meals.