Coffee cheese receives protected designation of origin

“Traditionally cut into small pieces and placed in hot coffee, it is enjoyed warm, where its soft texture and delicate flavor are enhanced” writes the EU Commission in a press release, among other things. Coffee cheese, a delicacy from Sweden’s northern regions, now becomes the third product from northernmost Sweden to receive protected designation of origin within the EU.

“It’s fantastic to see that Kalix Löjrom and Arctic bramble are now joined by coffee cheese in the EU’s register of products with protected designation of origin. All three are unique resources that help profile our Arctic foods and culinary experiences, making us an international food destination,” says Annika Fredriksson, CEO of Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, and continues:

“It’s especially exciting that coffee cheese is being recognized right now when we have two ongoing culinary projects where we’re working to both develop and highlight local food production and food and beverage experiences.”

Behind the newly protected specialty are dairy producers from all over northern Sweden, including Agnes Otterbech from Mathantverket Vuollerim in Norrbotten. It was she who, several years ago, took the initiative for the application.

“This is where the cultural traditions surrounding coffee cheese exist – and the cheese gets its unique flavor thanks to the lush pastures that the many hours of daylight give rise to,” says Agnes in a press release.

Coffee cheese is a fresh cheese made from unhomogenized milk from reindeer, goat, or cow. It is cut into small cubes and placed directly into hot coffee – where it steeps for a few moments before being fished out and eaten warm. The combination of mild flavor and traditional serving has made the cheese an appreciated symbol of northern Swedish food culture.

According to the EU’s decision, both the raw material and the production of coffee cheese must take place in northern Sweden – more specifically in the provinces of Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Lapland, Jämtland, Härjedalen, and Ångermanland. Currently, coffee cheese is produced in six dairies within the region, from Trehörningsjö in the south to Vuollerim in the north.

Coffee cheese is the twelfth Swedish product to receive EU protection, and the second cheese in the Nordic countries after Wrångebäcksost. This autumn, the cheese will also have its own competition class in the Swedish Championship in Artisan Food, which will be held in Skellefteå.

Protected Designation of Origin – PDO, is a Name that Can be Registered for a Product that:

• has a quality or characteristics that are wholly or largely due to a particular geographical environment, with the natural and human factors associated with it
• comes from a specific place or region or, in exceptional cases, a specific country,
• is produced in all stages in the defined geographical area.

Swedish Products and Foods with PDO Designation

• Coffee cheese
• Arctic bramble from Norrland
• Bohuslän Blue Mussels
• Gotland Lentils
• Grebbestad Oysters
• Hjälmaren Pike-perch
• Kalix Bleak Roe
• Smoked Vättern Whitefish
• Upplandskubb
• Hånnlamb
• Wrångebäcksost
• Vänern Bleak Roe