INTERNATIONAL – Market research group Euromonitor has reported that global cheese sales declined marginally in 2002.

This is in line with developments and trends from the last five years, but the company believes that schemes like the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) could help boost sales in the future.

PDO relates to European legislation from 1993, which protects food names on a geographical or traditional recipe basis.

Euromonitor suggests that promoting PDO cheeses will add value by emphasising its unique aspects, in the same way it has done for wine.

It is part of the group’s suggestion that adding functionality and quality to cheese, rather than moving bulk amounts through discounts, is the way to improve sales.