The consumers questioned consisted of 3,176 people who had purchased at least one hard cheese product in the last three months. The countries selected were: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK.

Read on for insights into what European consumers prefer, and what they want to see more of from their hard cheese packaging.

1. Transparency is clearly preferable

The majority of respondents (89%) said transparency was important when buying packaged hard cheese. Consumers like to see the product inside before they buy. The transparency of the packaging is linked to freshness, safety, and a great-tasting product. This is especially important when buying a product for the first time.

Our Amcor AmPrima® range of recycle-ready cheese packaging offers transparent tray liddings and transparent flowpacks that attract consumers' attention on-shelf, and create a better at-home experience by enabling recycling in many European countries.

2. Resealable is best for customer loyalty

The flavor and price of the product itself are the most important criteria consumers look for. After choosing a product, resealable packaging enhances the consumer experience and could help develop brand loyalty, leading to re-purchase.

Consumers prefer the ease of use of resealable packaging. It offers the convenience of not requiring a second container after the cheese is opened, and avoids the cheese spoiling or changing texture too quickly.

Amcor DairySeal™ Reclose Lidding helps brands give their loyal customers an easy-to-open and easy-to-reclose pack. It can be securely reclosed up to 15 times.

3. Consumers want to feel confident in product freshness

The research shows that proper sealing with no damage visible on the shelf is the consumer’s first concern. Of those surveyed, 70% listed it as the most important packaging requirement for hard cheese products.

4. Recyclable packaging claims resonate the most with consumers

According to the consumers we questioned, more sustainable packaging should be a priority. When asked, ‘For hard cheese, which sustainability claims would influence your purchase decision the most?’ the top result was recyclable packaging. And most respondents said they do recycle, in compliance with local instructions.

So what can cheese producers do to attract more European consumers?

By choosing packaging that promotes freshness and a longer shelf life brands can win more European cheese consumers, especially when the flavor and price are the same.

Our AmPrima® packaging range is designed to appeal to European consumers. It is less sensitive to moisture, leading to a longer shelf life, and offers a high puncture resistance that significantly reduces the rate of leakers. By using AmPrima®, brands can achieve a 41% lower carbon footprint compared to traditional OPA/PE structures for cheese. The range is also recycle-ready in many European countries as certified by the cyclos-HTP institute.

Also, paper-based packaging for block and sliced cheese, like Amcor DairySeal™ Packpyrus Paper Base Web is ideal for hard cheese brands. Attract consumers with artisanal-looking packaging that guarantees product freshness. Replacing a typical plastic tray, Packpyrus contains at least 85% paper fibers, can be sourced from FSC® certified supply, and generates a 56% reduction in carbon footprint compared to traditional plastic APET/PE trays.

When these attributes are combined with transparent, resealable packaging, hard cheese brands will be able to offer packaging that has a wider appeal to consumers.

To receive the full research findings, download the ebook here. Check the preview of the first few pages below.