The Citeaux abbey just south of Dijon, birthplace of the Cistercian Catholic order, usually sells its raw-milk, semi-soft discs only to restaurants or visitors who make the trek to its on-site shop. But a drop in demand since the coronavirus crisis erupted last year has left the abbey’s 19 Trappist monks with 4,000 cheeses too many — the equivalent of 2.8 tonnes. “Our sales are down nearly 50 percent,” he said, with French restaurants still closed since October 30 as authorities try to curb a third wave of cases. The minimum order is two wheels at €23 each, plus shipping. “We’re going to make it,” Jean-Claude said, with more than 700 kilogrammes already ordered according to the site.

Source: The Local March 26, 2021 15:22 UTC