Cheese consumption in Japan is continuing to rise steadily, according to the Japan Cheese Promotion Association, which has released figures showing that between 1975 and 2002, imports rose from 64,000 tons to 260,000 tons.

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Yasuo Miura, managing director of market-leading cheese importer Chesco, told the Focus Japan newspaper that Camembert was the most popular cheese in Japan, having “an indescribable depth of flavour”.


The company has exploited a growth in demand for fresh cheeses rather than processed cheese sold in slices and sticks, traditionally made in Japan. Chesco said now sells more than 300 varieties, with sales growth averaging 15% over the “last several years”.

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