GREEN BAY, WIS. – In 1979, BelGioioso Cheese began crafting sharp provolone using traditional artisan methods and fresh, local milk. In the decades since, BelGioioso’s line of Italian cheeses has expanded to include more than 30 varieties.

“Our core philosophy remains constant,” said Sofia Auricchio Krans, a fifth-generation cheesemaker with the company. “Start with fresh, quality ingredients, use traditional artisan methods, create flavorful cheeses.”

Another thing that makes BelGioioso’s Italian cheeses stand out, she added, is the company does its own packaging, so it’s able to cut, slice and wrap cheeses to specific customer requests.

One of the newcomers to the BelGioioso lineup is Stracciatella Burrata Filling.

“Chefs and consumers are really loving the ease of use and its fresh, creamy flavor,” Krans said.

Another new cheese, Crescenza-Stracchino, recently won multiple first place awards in cheese contests. The variety is soft and spreadable and boasts a distinct creamy flavor with a “hint of tangy goodness,” Krans said.

Crescenza-Stracchino is delicious melted on a pizza or piadina, or spread on breakfast bagels and fresh focaccia, she added.

BelGioioso has also created a Fresh Mozzarella sliced log for baking. It’s a lower moisture version specially formulated for cooking, Krans said, with the same fresh flavor the company’s customers love.

Consumers and chefs are also increasingly recognizing and loving the quality of BelGioioso’s Blue and Gorgonzola cheeses, Krans said.

“They’re really perfect for those indulgent moments, on cheeseboards and for sauces in pasta or on grilled meats and vegetables.”

One trend BelGioioso is closely tracking is the demand for smaller-sized packaging, which Krans said is being driven by both higher food costs and smaller households.

Current offerings from the company that meet this need are 4 oz thermoform packages of Fresh Mozzarella and a 4 oz Burrata ball.

“You can consume the whole package at once, no waste,” Krans said.

The company noted that imported Italian cheese was down 13.4% in volume in 2023 – giving lots of opportunity for BelGioioso’s domestically made alternative.