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While
Quebecers have been making cheddar and oka
cheeses for over 110 years, there's recently
been an insurgence of fine cheeses made
from cow, goat and sheep milk.
"The
quality of the milk is essential to the
production of a good cheese. That's why
Suzanne and Daniel replaced their old herd
with 45 Swiss brown cows. The cows have
a reputation for their rich milk and enjoy
grazing in pasture.
Suzanne
and Daniel also planted a variety of different
flower and herb seeds in their fields, chosen
for their aromatic properties. You can taste
the difference in their cheese.

In
2002, Canadian cheese exports totalled 98
million dollars. Cheese imports totalled
more than $215 million.
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The
production costs per round of cheese can
vary between 14 and 18 dollars. But don't
be under the impression that the profits
are immense because in order to start-up
their business, Suzanne and Daniel had to
invest over $300,000. In order to increase
visibility, they sell their product through
a distributor.

Plaisir
Gourmet is the only distributor in Quebec
that specializes in artisan cheeses. Therefore,
it's possible to purchase Iberville and
Au Gré des Champs in most fine grocers throughout
Quebec.
The
province of Quebec produces approximately
50% of the cheese production in Canada.
Suzanne
is convinced that free samples help to tickle
the consumers' taste buds. Then they're
hooked.
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