One of Sweden’s most beloved cheeses — Präst — may soon lose its protected status in the EU, opening the door for it to be produced anywhere in the world, far from its Swedish origins. The same fate could soon befall Grevé and Herrgård.
In a joint opinion piece published by Expressen on October 19, five chairmen representing Sweden’s major dairy cooperatives — Arla, Skånemejerier, Norrmejerier, Falköpings Mejeri, and Gäsene Mejeri — warned that the EU’s decision to remove the name protection of Präst poses a serious threat to both Swedish food heritage and local milk production.
Lactalis, Europe’s largest dairy company, applied to the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to revoke the protected status of the name “Präst.” The agency has reportedly ruled in favor of the French firm, potentially paving the way for the same outcome for Herrgård and Grevé.
If the ruling stands, these cheeses could be produced anywhere — using milk from any country — and still be marketed under their traditional Swedish names. Farmers warn this could devastate Sweden’s dairy industry, already under pressure as the country imports more than half of the cheese it consumes.
- Losing these brands would mean losing a key source of income for Swedish farmers, the cooperative representatives wrote, adding: – When demand for Swedish milk falls, prices drop — and farms disappear.”
Präst, one of Sweden’s oldest cheeses, dates to the 13th century and was once used as payment to local priests. The farmers argue that such cultural and historical value cannot be replicated by foreign producers.
The cooperatives plan to appeal the EUIPO decision and are calling for political and public support to preserve Sweden’s dairy heritage.
- Defending these cheeses isn’t just about farming — it’s about protecting a piece of Swedish identity, they conclude
Read the full opinion piece HERE.