EVOLVING PREFERENCES
Industry insights from Mordor Intelligence show the UK dairy market size is estimated at US$23.75 billion and expected to reach $28.44bn by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period of 2025-2030. And foodservice provides a crucial growth driver for the dairy industry, with restaurant and café spending reaching $111.34 billion in 2021.
Increasing diversity of the population has led to greater demand for a variety of dairy products used in different cuisines, from Italian pizzas to Indian curries. Evolving consumer preferences for convenience, sustainability and health-conscious options has sparked innovation in product development and packaging too.1
Bill Mathieson, managing director at Clawson Farms, said: “With consumers increasingly seeking premium and customised options, additional toppings are a powerful upsell opportunity. We all know that cheese remains the essential driver of pizza satisfaction, delivering the melt, stretch and savoury flavour diners expect. The right cheese not only boosts perceived value but also elevates all other toppings, helping operators differentiate their offer and grow revenue through upgraded builds and chef-inspired combinations.”
Davide Donisi of Zia Lucia Pizza trialled Clawson Farms Stilton® and Rutland Red on his pizzas: “I like to find ingredients to differentiate a pizza. While Gorgonzola is a classic, I’ve found that British Blue cheese brings a fantastic depth and brings an Italian/British twist.
“Clawson Farms Stilton Crumb melts really well, and when this cheese is used on a pizza it imparts a buttery texture which absorbs into the base when resting. As it cools, it gives the dough extra flavouring. There is a lot of umami notes from this cheese, and when you contrast that with something sweet, it is amazing!”
WOW FACTOR
British consumers are increasingly driven by where their food comes from, with provenance, sustainability and heritage playing a central role in purchasing decisions. An overwhelming 76% find British provenance appealing, reinforced by a strong desire to support local economies (50%) and a growing appreciation for the heritage behind British ingredients (46%).2
Within the cheese sector, this translates into a clear opportunity for caterers. Cheeses of British origin, produced using sustainable practices, are perceived as genuine value – enhancing menus and aligning with consumer expectations. For operators, supporting British cheese and produce meets growing demand, while enabling strong menu storytelling and a clear commitment to quality, sustainability and local supply chains – key factors shaping today’s dining choices.
Clawson Farms’ delicious cheeses play an important part in the story of ‘edible’ Britain - from traditionally aged territorials ingrained with history, to characterful, contemporary blends that bring the ‘wow factor’ to grazing platters and cooked dishes. Its ongoing quest to champion Stilton as a versatile and contemporary ingredient across menus, and for inclusion in all meal occasions, continues: “Thirty years ago, our Blue Stilton became the first British cheese to gain the prestigious PDO status,” continued Mathieson. “And in this celebratory year, it’s only fitting that we highlight its many merits and push forward with our ambition to bring Stilton to a wider audience.
“This year, we will be teaming up with culinary colleges across the UK to inspire the next generation of chefs by educating on Stilton’s heritage and encouraging catering students to reimagine this iconic British cheese by exploring its versatility through innovative uses.”
Find out more at clawson.co.uk.
1 Mor Int ‘UK Dairy Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts Up To 2030’. 2 Bidfood & CGA NielsenIQ Trends 2024.
