France's lockdown vice? Cheese

In 2020, the pandemic-induced lockdowns in France led to a significant shift in food consumption, with a noticeable increase in the purchase of cheese for home use, rising by over 8% according to FranceAgriMer and Kantar. This surge, which represented a marked contrast to the tepid 2% growth of the previous year, was attributed to the closure of restaurants and a general trend towards cooking at home. Among the major cheese categories, mozzarella and raclette experienced the most substantial demand, with sales increasing by 21% and 12% respectively. This uptick in cheese consumption was evident not only in supermarkets but also in specialist shops, where customers were seeking to enhance their at-home dining experiences. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing restrictions, which have adversely affected the restaurant and tourism sectors, the dairy industry has found some respite in this shift towards home cooking. Furthermore, cheese lovers and industry representatives view this trend as a vital opportunity to support France's artisanal cheese industry and encourage new generations to join its ranks.