In my last post for Growers and Grocers, I report that consumption of French cheese , especially the raw milk variety, is declining.
Personally, I have noticed evidence of this trend. First, a surprising number of families never buy cheese à la coupe, or cut to order, although supermarkets do offer this service. They just pick up a hunk or two of industrial or ready-wrapped cheese.
Second, doctors seem to be alerting more and more patients to the possibility that they may be allergic to dairy products. Food allergies weren't discussed much ten years ago in France. Now a lot of my friends are "trying to cut out dairy products." I can't speak with any authority on this medical subject, but it can't be good news for the cheese industry.
In addition , lighter meals are becoming popular, especially for evening entertaining, and this often means eliminating the cheese course.
Finally, the French are decidedly drinking less wine, and can only hurt cheese consumption. Cheese often accompanies a last glass of wine -- or two -- during a dinner party. If the guests don't drink the wine, they won't eat as much cheese.
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