Sartori Cheese, the Plymouth, Wisconsin-based artisan producer, has announced the expansion of its award-winning BellaVitano lineup with the introduction of Hatch Chile BellaVitano. The new variety integrates the company’s signature base cheese with the specific heat and smoky profile of Hatch chiles, targeting a growing consumer appetite for sophisticated, spice-forward dairy products.
The launch represents a calculated move by the family-owned company to maintain momentum in the speciality cheese sector through thoughtful flavour diversification.
Flavour Profile
Crafted at the company's facilities in Wisconsin, Hatch Chile BellaVitano maintains the fundamental characteristics of the BellaVitano brand—a creamy texture combined with the caramelised, parmesan-like notes associated with aged Italian-style cheeses.
The innovation lies in the layering of Hatch chiles, which are noted for their earthy warmth and subtle smokiness. Unlike standard pepper-jack varieties, the Hatch Chile BellaVitano is engineered to deliver a balanced flavour experience where the heat complements rather than masks the underlying nutty profile of the cheese.
The addition of a pepper-infused variety to the BellaVitano range aligns with broader retail trends emphasising "approachable adventure" in the deli aisle. By utilising Hatch chiles—a specific regional ingredient with high name recognition—Sartori is leveraging provenance to differentiate its latest offering from generic spiced cheeses.
"Hatch Chile BellaVitano reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful flavour innovation," said Sartori Cheese CEO Bert Sartori. He noted that the goal was to create an unexpected combination while adhering to the quality and craftsmanship for which the brand is recognised.
Market Recommendations and Pairing Strategies
To support retail sell-through and consumer education, Sartori’s Master Cheesemakers have identified specific pairing profiles for the new variety. The savoury and smoky notes of the Hatch chiles make the cheese a candidate for cross-merchandising in several departments:
Beverage Pairings: Crisp lagers, amber ales, and medium-bodied red wines.
Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, honey, and hearty crackers.
The product is designed to function as both a standalone component for charcuterie boards and an everyday snacking option, providing retailers with a versatile SKU for the speciality cheese set.
Commitment to Artisan Standards
Sartori Cheese continues to utilise traditional cheesemaking methods in Plymouth, Wisconsin, to produce its full portfolio. The launch of Hatch Chile BellaVitano reinforces the brand’s position as a leader in the American artisan cheese movement, demonstrating how legacy companies can iterate on successful platforms to capture evolving consumer palates.
