Chinese cheese lovers can finally gorge on European cheese!
In a new development, China reversed an import ban on several types of European stinky cheeses, including Danish Blue, Stilton and Roquefort. They had earlier been banned as strains of bacteria used in fermentation weren't approved in China. Beijing's quarantine officials lifted the ban after holding a recent meeting with EU officials. The imports are expected to resume immediately. Here's more about it.
Chinese cheese mongers rejoice!
"We are very happy..... I think it's a way for China to show they're really open-minded to selling foreign products, especially cheese," said Vincent Marion, co-founder of the Shanghai-based artisan cheese-delivery service, Cheese Republic. The import ban had hit more than 50% of its sales.
Cheese sales to soar in China
China has a huge market for cheese. Over 90% of it is imported from Australia and New Zealand. With cheese growing increasingly popular through fast-food and pizza restaurants, the demand is expected to rise further. Euromonitor, a research firm, estimates that cheese sales in China in 2017 will increase 26% from 2016. However, it will be weeks before European cheese gets to retail markets.
