French dairy co-op Isigny Sainte-Mère is pinning its hopes on the quality of its products and on its growing retail listings in the UK amid rising milk prices and the weakness of sterling against the euro.

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The Normandy-based co-op, which yesterday (21 January) announced a Camembert listing with Tesco, admitted the business is operating in a “tough period” but said the “special quality” of its products would protect the business in the UK.


“The recession has made the past 12 months very challenging for European dairy producers – and the currency exchange rate certainly hasn’t helped the continental cheese market. Moreover we are seeing the milk price increase again from the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010,” Camille Mancelle, UK key account manager for Isigny Sainte-Mère, told just-food.


Exports account for 40% of Isigny Sainte-Mère’s business, although the company declined to give specific sales figures for the UK, which it described as an “important” market for the business. Germany, Belgium and the US are other “key” markets for the business.


The co-op has branded and private-label listings with UK retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and The Co-operative Group and Mancelle said local consumers were increasingly embracing “premium” soft cheeses.

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“The fact is people are traveling more widely and many of them want to recreate their international culinary experiences when they are at home,” Mancelle said.


“British consumers’ taste for premium soft cheese is increasing year on year, so Isigny Sainte-Mère has bought out a range of small portioned soft cheeses to meet the demand as customers become more adventurous in their tastes.”