Dine & Cook | Alternative food journalism

Betonville, Ark. -- Fine artisan cheeses from England, France, Ireland, Italy and Spain will soon be sold in select Sam's Club locations starting in August.

Sam's Club made the announcement Thursday and the company expects to offer the new imported cheeses in more than 150 clubs late this fall. The additional product will include both regular and special seasonal items to complement Sam's Club domestic cheese offerings.

"Consumers are hungry for new food products because they are experimenting more with food at home and see it as form of entertainment," said Shawn Baldwin, Vice President Fresh and Deli Sam's Club. "We have identified some of the highest quality European brands and will be bringing them to the U.S. for the first time. These family owned operations are thrilled to serve Sam's Club members."

Some of the most notable imports include Parmiagiano Reggiano, a prestigious Italian Cheese that is aged for a minimum of two years and the Irish Dairy Board's Ballyshannon Cheddar.

Many of the imported cheeses at Sam's Club are Product Denominazione of Origin certified, an Italian quality assurance label for food products.  In addition to verifying authenticity by working with its suppliers, Sam's Club is also identifying the exact production of many of their imported cheeses-- bringing greater visibility from the farm, to the manufacturer, to the club.

Sam's Club buyers are visiting supplier facilities to inspect the production process. In addition, Sam's Club uses a test kitchen and sensory lab at its home office to sample products, and give suppliers feedback about how to improve them.