Growing with specialty cheeses

Dairy Foods, April, 2002

* Company: Kraft Foods Inc.

* Location: Northfield, Ill.

* Introduced: April 2002

* Details: Athenos [R], the No. 1 brand of Feta cheese according to AC-Nielsen data, is expanding its offerings in the specialty cheese category with the rollout of Athenos Blue and Athenos Gorgonzola cheeses. Both cheeses are two of the top 10 fastest growing natural cheeses at retail. Athenos Blue and Gorgonzola cheeses are made from pasteurized milk. Aged for 60 days to ensure a rich, piquant flavor, Athenos Blue is made in the same manner as highly regarded Danish Blue cheese. The Gorgonzola is aged for 90 days, and has a creamy texture and a sharp, distinctive flavor.

* Distribution: National

* Athenos Blue and Gorgonzola cheeses are available in crumbled form in 4oz dairy-style packages, 5-oz deli cups and random-weight bags, as well as random-weight wedges and 6-lb wheels.