AUSTRIA – Innsbruck-based co-operative Tirol Milch has launched what it claims as Europe’s first custom-made cheese ‘steak’.

The product is a pressed Alpine semi-hard mild processed cheese cut and vacuum packed in 150g portions and is designed for grilling, baking or even frying. It does not melt.

Sold in Austria and Germany as an alternative to meat, the concept won a top prize for innovations at last October’s Anuga food fair in Cologne and was nominated as a 2003 dairy product of the year in Germany.

Tirol Milch also produces conventional drinking milk, dairy drinks, Alpine cheese, yogurts and desserts.