Deli Market News; May 29, 2026: Peggy Packer
It’s an exciting time with IDDBA 2026 just around the corner, and Deli Market News is committed to giving you an exclusive look at the specialty stars soon to hit the show floor. With its newest addition and several award-winning offerings in tow, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese is one booth you won’t want to miss. Connie Concon, National Sales Director, took a moment to share some details.
What products are headlining Point Reyes’ IDDBA showcase this year? What makes these offerings stand out in the market?
“We will be showcasing our new 5 oz Brie and Truffle Brie during IDDBA in the ‘What’s New’ display case. These products expand our Brie line with a convenient, smaller format ideal for today’s consumers seeking premium, approachable specialty cheese options. Our classic-style Brie just joined the permanent lineup after overwhelming retailer and customer demand, filling a gap the market has been asking for while aligning with our 2026 Everyday Indulgence positioning.
But we'd rather let the awards speak for us: Quinta won Best of Show (Cow's Milk) and Best of California (Semi-Soft Cheese) at the California State Fair. Toma took Best of California (Semi-Hard Cheese, Cow's Milk). Fennel Blue earned Best of Class Gold Medal at the World Cheese Awards. Both Truffle Brie and Fennel Blue are Good Food Awards finalists (winners will be announced June 28th at the Fancy Food Show in New York). When this many cheeses earn recognition in a single year, it validates our focus on consistency, quality, and craftsmanship.
How do these awards reflect the quality and expertise behind the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese brand?
“We combine artisan craftsmanship with reliable scale. As a 100 percent women-owned, WBENC-certified family business with over 100 employees across two facilities, we maintain rigorous quality control while meeting grocery demands. Our story resonates: four generations of sustainable farming, transparency about our practices, and values that align with today's shoppers. Recent award recognition validates the quality to retailers and consumers.
We're also proud to partner with the California Milk Advisory Board. Our booth at IDDBA sits within their larger area, which reflects our longtime strategic partnership. CMAB has been instrumental in helping us share the Real California Milk story and connect with retailers who value quality California dairy.”
What unique opportunities are sparked by the IDDBA event?
“IDDBA creates a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with retailers, distributors, and industry partners from across the country. It allows us to showcase new product innovation, gain immediate feedback from customers, and strengthen existing relationships while building new ones. It also provides valuable insight into emerging consumer trends and merchandising opportunities within the specialty cheese category. IDDBA is an important platform to highlight our brand story, introduce new products like our 5 oz Brie and Truffle Brie, and continue growing awareness in the retail channel.”
What areas of growth does Point Reyes plan to focus on this year?
“Two major areas define our 2026 growth: First, we recently achieved Halal certification, opening significant new markets domestically and internationally. It's both a stamp of quality and a practical tool for reaching communities we haven't served before. Second, we're emphasizing versatility across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacking, not just fine dining. We're working with partners to showcase applications beyond the cheeseboard, demonstrating how our cheese fits into real life and grows the category.
After 25 years of cheesemaking, this year's awards, the Brie launch, and Halal certification all connect to the same philosophy: make exceptional cheese, do it sustainably, treat people right, and stay true to who we are as a family business.
IDDBA is the perfect place to share that story with grocery partners who understand consumers want more than a product; they want to feel good about what they're buying, and they want it to taste incredible. That's what Point Reyes delivers.”