Survey shows more than half of UK consumers turning to British cheese

By Jim Cornall

- Last updated on GMT

The survey showed 55% of Brits are more likely to buy British cheese instead of French or Italian cheeses during the crisis. Pic: SCMA
The survey showed 55% of Brits are more likely to buy British cheese instead of French or Italian cheeses during the crisis. Pic: SCMA

Related tags Cheese Stilton cheese coronavirus COVID-19

Lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis has had a positive effect on the nation’s cooking habits, according to new figures published by the Stilton Cheese Makers Association (SCMA), which represents the UK’s Stilton producers.

Consumer Intelligence conducted the survey for the cheese organization, polling 1,053 consumers from May 15 to 18, 2020. 

The research revealed during the crisis 65% of British consumers are much more likely to buy British produce to support farmers and 55% are more likely to buy British cheese instead of French or Italian cheeses.

More than two thirds (67%) of Brits are cooking meals from scratch more regularly since lockdown began, and this rises to 76% among 18-24- and 25-34-year olds, and across the country it is those living in London and Northern Ireland leading the way (77%).

More than half (59%) said they were cooking more since lockdown began, with 40% saying there has been no change and just 2% are doing less.  Also, 42% of respondents said their children are also doing more cooking since lockdown began.

Robin Skailes, chairman of the SCMA and director of Cropwell Bishop Creamery, said, “Despite the frustrations of lockdown as we combat Covid-19, the upside is that we are all cooking more food from scratch, trying new recipes and experimenting with new ingredients.  We are encouraging consumers to start using Stilton as a versatile ingredient which can inspire and brighten up everyday dishes – from soups to souffles, sandwiches to burgers.”

Related topics Dairy COVID-19

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