During the autumn, all cheeses that Skånemejerier produces and sells in Sweden under the Skånemejerier and Allerum brands will carry the ‘Mjölk från Sverige’ label. The move comes after decades in which Swedish cheese has steadily lost ground on Swedish supermarket shelves.

Over the course of the autumn, Skånemejerier will begin applying the origin mark ‘Mjölk från Sverige’ (Milk from Sweden) to every cheese that is both produced and sold in Sweden under the company’s two brands, Skånemejerier and Allerum. This is reported by Swedish Mejeritekniskt Forum.

According to Mejeritekniskt Forum, the share of Swedish-produced cheese in Swedish supermarkets has fallen markedly over recent decades, whilst a growing number of consumers are seeking out food from Sweden. The labelling is intended to make it easier for shoppers to find Swedish cheeses.

“We know that many consumers prefer to buy Swedish products when they shop. The Mjölk från Sverige label will make it even easier to identify cheeses made from Swedish milk and produced here in Sweden. For us, it is also a way of highlighting more clearly the work carried out every day by our dairy farmers and employees,” said Johan Stenmarck, Marketing Director at Skånemejerier, according to Mejeritekniskt Forum.

Kristianstad produces 10,000 tonnes of cheese a year
According to Mejeritekniskt Forum, Skånemejerier’s dairy in Kristianstad ranks among Sweden’s largest cheese plants and produces around 10,000 tonnes of cheese a year. Its output includes the classic Swedish cheeses Herrgård, Präst and Grevé, as well as cheeses for the Allerum brand. The outlet describes the dairy as important for sustaining and developing Swedish cheese production at a time when imported cheese is taking an ever larger share of the domestic market.

“At our dairy in Kristianstad, we work every day to develop and strengthen Swedish cheese production. We are proud that our cheeses are made from Swedish milk, and the new labelling enables us to communicate this even more clearly to consumers,” said Stefan Andersson, Site Manager at the dairy, according to Mejeritekniskt Forum.

A voluntary label with requirements for raw materials and production
‘Mjölk från Sverige’ is a voluntary origin label. It is used on products that meet requirements for the Swedish origin of both raw materials and production, Mejeritekniskt Forum reports.

“The partnership with Skånemejerier, one of the most significant players in Swedish food production, is a milestone in a priority category. Combined with the strong awareness and trust associated with Från Sverige, this will make it even easier for consumers to choose Swedish products in stores. This helps drive strong demand for Swedish food, which in the long term benefits Swedish food production,” said Tina Stugemo, CEO of Svenskmärkning, according to Mejeritekniskt Forum.

By Maja Løvstrup
Source: Mejeritekniskt Forum
Photo: Skånemejerier