Skip to content
About Cheese Shops
- A cheese shop, also known as a "fromagerie" or "cheese store," specializes in cheese and related products.
- A cheese monger is a person who sells cheese.
Cheese Production and Sales
- Cheese shops aim for a gross profit percentage of 70-80% by applying markups of 50% to 100% or more.
- Some cheeses in France are classified, protected, and regulated under French law.
- On average, a cheese shop carrying 125-150 cheeses can make between $750,000 and $1.6 million in annual sales.
Cheese Making and Business Operations
- Cheesemongers interact with dairy farmers to buy and sell cheese, knowing when cheese is ready for sale.
- Cheese makers decide on aging cheeses themselves or using an affineur, impacting production.
- DCI Cheese Company in Wisconsin offers a variety of domestic and imported cheeses.
Tips for Cheese Businesses
- Having a business plan when starting a cheese shop or dairy farm operation is crucial.
- Themes and early planning are essential for successful cheese promotions.
- Offering 100% grass-fed cheese can be beneficial due to its high nutritional value.
Vendor Opportunities
- Vendors at the Cheese and Meat Festival receive a table and website logo for a small fee.
Cheese Selection and Expansion
- La Latteria in Carlton specializes in fresh cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta made daily in-store.
- Fraga Farmstead’s certified organic goat cheese is featured in the Beginner’s Guide to Portland Farmers Market Cheese.
- Experimenting with sheep or goat milk cheeses can help expand a cheese business.
- Obtaining organic status can enhance the appeal of cheese products.
