Updating a story from last week, we talked to Rob Kaufelt, proprietor of Murray's Cheese, for some more details on the deal they struck with The Kroger Company to help expand the grocery chain's specialty cheese selections. Needless to say, we think the following exchange will provide some real excitement for cheese lovers in the Midwest.

What exactly will you be doing to help Kroger expand their specialty cheese selection?
We will be setting up Murray's shops with cheeses selected by Murray's, operated by Kroger. We will know more as we progress.

Will all the Kroger stores be expanding their cheese selections, or only certain key stores in certain markets?
It depends. If the tests are successful, then we'll add more stores as both companies see fit.

Which cheeses will you and Kroger be focusing on? For example, more Gruyère than Epoisses?
It's really too soon to say, but we don't distinguish between the two cheeses cited here, anyway.

Will the cheeses be marketed as "Murray's" cheeses in the Kroger stores?
The shops are Murray's, and will look much like the ones here in New York City, including those things that are distinctly ours. Our goal is for customers to feel like they're walking into a mini Murray's Cheese, wherever they may be. It's not about a brand on a label, it's about the Murray's experience.

What does this mean for the specialty cheese industry in the U.S.? Do you see this as part of a larger trend?
We certainly hope so. Good cheese should be as readily available in America as it is in Europe.

About the author: Jamie Forrest publishes Curdnerds.com from his apartment in Brooklyn, New York, where he lives with his wife, his daughter, and his cheese.